HIGH-FLYING York Acorn ARLC survived a late onslaught from visitors Thatto Heath Crusaders to claim a 26-22 victory in the National Conference premier division.

The hard-earned two points kept the Blue and Golds within sight of leaders Leigh Miners Rangers, sitting in fourth and trailing by four points with a game in hand.

The hosts made a superb start at Thanet Road, forging into a 12-0 lead after five minutes.

Prop Nicky Caldwell broke down the right and sent supporting full-back Leigh Rientoul over from 30 metres for a second minute try goaled by centre Ben Jones.

Within a minute acting half Tom Hill scampered around the ruck and raced into open space before firing out a long pass to Jones, who crossed the whitewash and then converted.

On 19 minutes, Thatto Heath capitalised on four repeat sets as second-rower David Johnson crossed out wide and scrum-half Phil Asson goaled.

Acorn edged further in front with a Jones penalty on 29 minutes.

A 30th-minute try by centre Ian Brown, goaled by Jones, gave the hosts a 20-6 half-time lead.

The second half belonged mainly to the visitors and they began a spirited fightback on 50 minutes with a try by winger David Sutton.

Stand-off Andy Stott then crashed over on 54 minutes.

With Acorn leading 20-14, the next score was crucial and it went to the home side as Brown crossed near the posts in the 62nd minute and Jones converted.

However, there were still a few nervous moments late in the game as Crusaders hooker Simon Quinn crossed on 73 minutes and winger Darren Woods went over on 78 minutes.

However, Thatto Heath failed to converted either of the scores and their poor goalkicking proved to be the difference between the sides.