DANNY Brandwood scored a try on his debut for York Acorn ARLC but couldn't prevent the Blue and Golds falling to a 40-36 defeat at home to leaders Rochdale Mayfield in National Conference division one.

The clash at Thanet Road was an enthralling encounter which twisted and turned and saw a total of 14 tries. Acorn fought back from a deficit several times during the first half and led 20-18 at the break.

But Rochdale notched up 18 unanswered points to take control and Acorn were simply unable to summon up yet another fight back - although they did go close.

Rochdale had the lead after just three minutes when second row Matty Williams crossed and the four-pointer was converted by Steve Gartland.

But Acorn were back on terms three minutes later through scrum-half Joe Budd, Tom Mackley adding the conversion.

In a pattern which reflected the first period, Rochdale forged ahead again through centre Matt Calland and Gartland's second conversion handed the visitors a 12-6 advantage.

Left-wing Mackley hit back for Acorn after 25 minutes but Todd O'Brien's try, and Gartland's third conversion, seemed to give Rochdale the edge at 18-10.

No-one told right wing Damo Hilton and centre Michael Embleton, however, and they struck on 34 and 37 minutes, to give Acorn a two-point half-time advantage.

Acorn stretched that lead to eight points early in the second half through Matt Embleton but their hopes of victory soon faded when Calland scored twice - sandwiched between a second O'Brien score - to put Rochdale ahead 36-26.

With just over 20 minutes left, Hilton crossed for a second time to reduce the gap to just six points but Acorn's renewed hope lasted just three minutes before Rochdale prop Ben Simson restored the visitors ten-point cushion.

As time ran down, prop Brandwood scored - his try converted by Mackley - but it was a try too few for the Blue and Golds, despite another man-of-the-match display from hooker Daz Callaghan.