Kingstone Press National Conference League Premier Division: York Acorn 22 Rochdale Mayfield 34

BUOYED by their previous week’s win, York Acorn went into this game full of confidence, and with Mayfield having played in midweek there could have been an upset on the cards.

The optimism was shortlived, however, as after five minutes Mayfield full back and eventual man of the match Lewis Sheridan made great yards, shrugging off tacklers.

Three quick play-the-balls later, and with Acorn unable to regroup, prop Seat Taala crashed over to open the scoring. A period of to and fro then ensued, with neither side giving much ground.

But Mayfield broke the stalemate after taking advantage of Acorn mistakes, fast plays again undoing the defence, allowing scrum half Sam Butterworth to put the visitors 12-0 up as both tries were converted.

Acorn threatened the Mayfield line but, where the home defence was found wanting, the visitors' rearguard stood up to the pressure.

On the half-hour, Rochdale were again able to attack the Acorn line, this time forcing a drop out, and from the resulting possession, Lewis Sheridan scored.

Things got worse from the kick-off as hooker Declan Sheridan, coming off the bench, scooted from dummy half to put Acorn on the back foot.

After the third tackle, there was a quick play-the-ball, followed by a a quick offload, for the supporting Lewis Sheridan to score his second try in as many minutes.

On the stroke of half-time, the hosts rallied, scrum half Matty Chilton taking it upon himself to attack the line and weaving successfully to make the line, forcing the ball down between two defenders.

Brother Antony then added the extras to give Acorn a glimmer of hope going into the break.

Acorn's enthusiasm was good early in the second period, Joel Johnson crossing in the corner only for the try to be ruled out for a forward pass.

Then, on 48 minutes, Acorn capitalised on some Mayfield misdemeanours, quick hands catching the defence static for Ryan Gallacher to find a gap and score.

Two minutes later, however, a series of knock-ons from both sides on first tackles led to frustration, with Acorn giving away a penalty that Rochdale were pleased to kick for two points.

The home side were still playing with spirit, however, and looked like making the scoreline even closer until a Mayfield interception gave second row Sean Watkins the opportunity to run 50 metres to score, which knocked the wind out of the hosts' sails.

With 10 minutes to go, Acorn appeared to have held up a good attack from Rochdale but somehow the ball got into the hands of Taala for a simple put down under the sticks.

Rochdale were now 34-10 to the good but the last 10 minutes went to Acorn, their never-give-up attitude producing two tries.

The first was to Tim Stubbs and the second for Gallacher.

These may have been consolation scores but the overall message for Acorn was that endeavour and aggression for 80 minutes may have produced a better result.

Lewis Sheridan, who really tore Acorn apart at times, was Mayfield's man of the match, with Acorn's award going to Tim Stubbs, who gave another huge performance.