Battling York Acorn ranks go down fighting (From York Press)

Battling York Acorn ranks go down fighting

10:04am Monday 18th March 2013 in Rugby League

THE fight back came too late for York Acorn ARLC as they went down 26-18 in their first home game of the National Conference League premier division season.

The Blue and Golds trailed 24-0 after 57 minutes of the Thanet Road clash, but they battled back to 24-18 heading into the last ten minutes.

However, the visitors eased the pressure with a penalty and Acorn were unable to force another opening.

The opening score came on three minutes when St Pats’ Ryan Smith rounded off a good move and Brad Smith goaled.

On 14 minutes, loose forward Simon Atherton went over and again Brad Smith added the extras.

As the half wore on, chances began to appear for Acorn. However, a couple of clean breaks came to nothing and a storming Michael Embleton break saw the final pass go to ground.

Brad Smith kicked a penalty on 43 minutes and, eight minutes later, centre Steve Simm crashed over to continue the visitors’ dominance.

Ryan Smith increased the lead on 57 minutes when he ghosted through a gap for his second try and Brad Smith’s goal made it 24-0.

Cue the Blue and Golds’ comeback, sparked when Danny Caldwell barged over from close range on 63 minutes.

Adam Sellers got over in the corner after some smart work from Tim Elliott four minutes later and then a 70-yard effort was rounded off by Joe Porter after Adam Sellers had made a superb break.

Makeshift kicker Andy Gargan added superb conversions to all three tries.

However, Brad Smith kicked a penalty on 75 minutes.

Arran Thompson, Jordan Hyde and Joel Johnson were outstanding for Acorn, whose captain Tom Hill left the pitch with a broken jaw.

Before the game there was a minute’s silence in memory of Acorn and Heworth stalwart Andy Richmond, who died recently.

Meanwhile, Heworth were beaten 28-0 at Underbank Rangers in division three.