YORK squeaked through to the third round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup with a 12-8 victory over Consett that was threatened in the dying stages of the Clifton Park tie.

Conceding a line-out, York then saw visiting flanker Rob Tilford burrow over the line only for him to have been adjudged to have been held up to prompt a huge sigh of home relief at the final whistle.

As both clubs currently top their respective leagues, a hard encounter was to be expected, but it was disappointing that York could not sustain their game for 80 minutes and capitalise on first half superiority which yielded a 12-0 interval lead.

Early exchanges were fairly even although Nick Ventress spurned a penalty to give York the lead. Home hopes were further hit by too many offences at the breakdown and forwards trying to the jobs of the outside forwards.

Fluent handling saw right-winger Rob Liddle pushed into touch only five yards short as York's pack generated a distinct advantage in the tight which enabled Graham Smith to go close.

York kept up the pressure but taking a scrum penalty and with lock Robin Sparrow in quick to support the ball was spun out to left-winger Sam Arkle who sped in. Ventress converted.

Consett threatened rarely save for scrum-half Bernie de Beer, who missed a relatively easy penalty.

Right on half-time York went further ahead when number 8 Ian Davies made a trademark thunder-charge. Lock Brad MacDonald carried on the move before flanker Andy Kay surged over for a try. Ventress missed the conversion, but a 12-0 lead looked a solid enough platform for a profitable second half.

It was not to be. Consett came out determined to get back and from a penalty for obstruction De Beer reduced the arrears.

Kay, Ventress and Tom Copeland responded with a good handling move but the visitors remained secure in defence.

York lost their impetus in the tight and their line-out work was an unpredictable as ever, enabling Consett to dominate possession and territory.

The Consett pack was starting to prove a handful close in and in the last quarter they mauled their way over the York line for prop Hunter to get the touchdown. De Beer, however, could not tag on the extras leaving the hosts to hang on for a heavy-weather win.

Updated: 11:00 Monday, October 18, 2004