A LATE surge from visitors Leigh Miners Rangers put paid to York Acorn ARLC’s victory hopes in the National Conference premier division.

The Blue and Golds were leading 26-18 with 20 minutes remaining at Thanet Road, but conceded two converted tries to lose 30-26.

The home side gave away too much ball thanks to handling errors in their own 20, while they were guilty of missing tackles on their own line.

Quick hands on the last tackle saw Acorn take the lead in the fourth minute, with Leigh Rientoul crossing for an unconverted try.

Leigh Miners hit back on 16 minutes with a try by full-back Chris Wakefield, converted by centre Tom Bradbury.

On 28 minutes, substitute Davey Burns made a solid break and second-rower Kyle Palmer crashed over for a try which he also converted.

Leigh led 12-10 at the break courtesy of a try by Jon Youds, converted by Bradbury, on 36 minutes.

Acorn started the second half in storming fashion with tries in the 44th and 47th minutes to lead 20-12.

The first was created by a bust from substitute forward Nic Ventress, who fed full-back Joe Budd to race 40 yards to the line.

The second stemmed from a break by scrum-half Tim Elliott, who found speedy winger Johnny Waldron in support. Palmer converted.

The lead was cut to 20-18 on 51 minutes when Leigh winger Mark Jones touched down and Bradbury converted.

However, the Blue and Golds looked to have done enough to secure their fourth win of the season when Waldron weaved his way to the line from 70 yards out in the 53rd minute.

On the hour, Acorn moved 26-18 ahead with a penalty from Jonny Liddell.

Leigh Miners started their comeback on 65 minutes with a try by loose-forward Liam Coleman, goaled by Bradbury.

With six minutes remaining, scrum-half Anthony Nicholson crossed and Bradbury converted.

Acorn’s man of the match was Waldron.