HARD-FOUGHT title triumph has been acclaimed by York City Knights coach Gary Thornton - but with a warning.

The 40-16 defeat suffered by Oldham at Gateshead Thunder ensured that the Knights were confirmed as champions of the Kingstone Press Championship one division with still a regular season game to play.

But while that result confirmed the Knights as "the best team" in the league over the season, there was still so much to aim at, declared a defiant Thornton.

"It's a fantastic achievement and I am delighted for the players, the coaching staff, the club and the supporters. Winning the league means that we are the best team in the competition this season," said Thornton.

"But with the play-off semi-final to come, then there is so much still to achieve. It's a strange feeling that while we should be celebrating we actually haven't won anything yet."

The Knights round off their season at home to London Skolars on Sunday before then tackling a play-off for a place in the Grand Final and that is the crunch for the coach.

"Hopefully we can top off the season with promotion (from the play-offs). Then it really will be a season to celebrate," he added.

"I'd rather win the league than not, but there is still so much more on the line. It's all about winning things and now we have to complete the job."