York Acorn stayed in touch with the National Conference League division two leaders with a hard-fought 34-22 win over Widnes St Marie's.

In-form prop Adam Endersby again led from the front for the Blue and Golds as they went 10-6 up thanks to a try by Stephen Irving and three goals from Kevin Brundrett, but two Widnes tries saw the visitors turn things round and build a 16-10 half-time lead, increasing it to 18-10 soon after the restart.

That, however, sparked a three-try salvo from the York side which turned the game back Acorn's way and gave them a lead they were not to surrender.

Pace ace Johnny Waldron, Mike Embleton and Lee Franks - who had got the winner in last week's dramatic victory over Stanningley - crossed in the space of ten thrilling minutes, with Brundrett converting them all on his way to a seven-goal haul.

Andy Lee added a fifth converted try to take the game out of Widnes' reach before Steve Reilly notched a consolation for the visitors.

Widnes' earlier touchdowns had come from Lee Potter, Kevin Buck, Tony Hannon with Karl O'Doherty adding two penalties and a conversion.

Updated: 10:43 Monday, October 25, 2004