NATIONAL Conference premier division rivals York Acorn ARLC and Wath Brow Hornets fought out a tense 22-22 draw at Thanet Road.

The Blue and Golds were on top in the first half, leading 16-6 at the interval, but the visitors hit back from 22-6 down on 45 minutes to snatch a share of the spoils.

Acorn opened the scoring in the ninth minute when stand-off Jon Liddell kicked a penalty after Wath Brow were penalised for offside.

The visitors hit back immediately, regathering the ball from the restart and sending winger Jamie Martin over after some good approach play. Hooker Craig Johnstone added the extras.

In the 18th minute, Liddell kicked another penalty and the home side then claimed their first try five minutes later.

A superb break by centre Kyle Palmer sent full-back Joe Budd racing over for a try, which was goaled by Liddell for a 10-6 lead.

On the stroke of half-time, Jamie Wright went on a blistering run down the left-hand side and handed on to Johnny Waldron for the try, which Liddell converted.

Acorn maintained their momentum after the break, scoring in the 45th minute thanks to a superb 60-yard individual effort from Palmer. Liddell added the conversion.

Wath Brow then stormed back into the game, with Jamie Martin scoring in the corner on 50 minutes and Johnstone goaling from the touchline.

Eight minutes later, persistent Hornets pressure saw scrum-half Andrew Hocking score after two Acorn drop outs and Johnstone’s goal brought the visitors to within four of their opponents.

Acorn began to tire and, in the 68th minute, Hornets stand-off Carl Rudd squeezed over out wide for a try.

Crucially, Johnstone’s conversion attempt narrowly missed.

For the remaining 12 minutes, Acorn’s defence was tested to the full. Drop goal attempts from both sides came to nothing and Acorn managed to hang on for a hard-earned point.

Palmer was Acorn’s man of the match, with Liddell and Tim Elliott outstanding in support.