YORK Acorn ARLC produced a gritty, spirited and at times classy performance to upset the form book when winning 16-12 at National Conference League division one form team Stanningley.

The class came in the shape of an impressive dominant first half performance which saw them take a 12-6 interval lead and the grit came from their defensive display in their own 20 for the final 20 minutes as they maintained their promotion push.

Acorn were the better side in the first half, thanks to their forward dominance and towering performances from man of the match prop forward Adam Endersby and front row partner Ryan Price.

They received excellent support from centres Ryan Gallacher and Martin Pedersen Scott.

The game's first score came on 22 minutes,when lively hooker Nick Speck put in a grubber kick behind the try line and second rower Matthew Woods was quickest to react to score a try and stand-off Antony Chilton converted.

Stanningley tied the scores up when Stephen Welton bagged a try goaled by full back Liam Copland.

Acorn regained the lead just after the half hour mark,when quick incisive handling reaped its rewards, Gallacher sending winger Joel Johnson flying in at the corner.

On the stroke of half time, Chilton kicked a penalty that made it 12-6.

On 50 minutes, Chilton put in a delicate kick behind the try line and Woods was on hand to score an unconverted try.

Stanningley finally breached the Acorn defensive fortress on 70 minutes when Joe Phipps crossed for a try goaled by Liam Copland to cut the lead to 16-12.

That final 10 minutes saw Acorn repel several back-to-back sets as the hosts dominated possession thanks to an increasing penalty count and several dropped balls by a tiring Blue and Golds defence.

Acorn will be aiming to keep up their promotion charge when they host mid-table Skirlaugh at Thanet Road next Saturday.