York Acorn ARLC Under-13s, pictured above, gave their best performance of the season so far to beat last season’s division one winners Castleford Panthers 36-14 away.

This was the Panthers’ first defeat in two seasons, and saw the Blue and Golds get back to winning ways after last week’s cup exit, thoroughly deserving the win after playing some exciting and entertaining rugby.

Acorn had a great first half with tries from Josh Potter, Harry Bromwich, Ashley Robson and the try of the match from James Dunhill playing at number four. Dunhill collected the ball on his own 20-metre line and showed great strength and speed, beating four Cas defenders to run 80 metres and score under the posts.

Liam Lowson added two first-half conversions to give Acorn a 20-6 lead at the break.

Throughout the game the home side’s bigger forwards put Acorn under a lot of pressure, but the defence was determined and solid.

The Panthers also came out for the second half fired up and scored the next two tries. But Acorn again replied with another try apiece from Potter and Bromwich, goaled by Lowson.

Good runs from forwards Lewis Lord and Josh Thompson paved the way for Ricky Watson to score a deserved last try for the visitors to give them a memorable victory.

Stand-off Bromwich and prop Robson were outstanding for Acorn and shared the man-of-the-match award.