East Hull’s late fight back catches York Acorn cold (From York Press)

East Hull’s late fight back catches York Acorn cold

10:29am Monday 4th March 2013 in Rugby League

PROMOTED York Acorn ARLC were dealt a harsh lesson on their return to the National Conference League premier division.

The Blue and Golds led hosts East Hull until the closing seven minutes of their season opener, but ended up losing 32-24.

The visitors made a promising start, with a Joe Budd pass finding winger Arran Thompson, who went over in the corner on three minutes.

Slack Acorn tackling on 11 minutes allowed Easts centre Lee Steward to wriggle over, with stand-off Carl Puckering goaling.

Acorn hit straight back on 15 minutes when Andy Gargan was held up and Adam Endersby crashed over. Ash Robson goaled.

Budd intercepted on 23 minutes and ran the length of the field for a sensational try, which Robson converted to give Acorn a ten-point lead.

Second-row Loz Wildbore, the former York City Knights player, got Easts back into it on 32 minutes. Puckering added the extras.

A superb Tim Elliott kick saw Joe Porter regather on the struck of half-time and Robson’s goal made it 22-12.

Robson added a penalty on 54 minutes but then Acorn imploded. On 58 minutes, prop Chris Lythe took a short pass to cross and Puckering goaled.

After an Acorn knock-on, Easts second row Ryan Steen scored on 62 minutes and Puckering’s goal made it 24-24.

Puckering kicked a field goal on 73 minutes to give his side the lead for the first time and he then scored and converted a try on 78 minutes.

Puckering added a second drop goal in the last minute to seal the win.

Thompson, Jordan Hyde, Gargan and Robson had excellent matches for Acorn.