YORK'S relegation to Yorkshire One was confirmed as they went down 29-13 at home to North East One champions Hull.

The visitors raced in to a 24-0 lead inside the first quarter of an hour as they extended their 100 per cent winning record to 20 games.

While Hull look forward to Powergen North One rugby next season, York returned to the Yorkshire Leagues after one tough season in NE2.

Hull made a blazing start as they threatened to cut the Clifton Parkers to shreds.

They took just one minute to get on the scoresheet through Julian Barkworth, converted by Carl Paterson the former Selby stand-off.

Hull were scoring at will in that opening period with further touchdowns by hooker Adam Atkinson, right winger John Wilson and a second from the elusive Barkworth.

It would have been easy for York to totally capitulate but they showed great spirit to launch a determined fightback.

Openside flanker Stu Davies made a good break to open up Hull's defence for scrum-half James Arkle to cross the whitewash.

Mike Ford reduced the arrears still further then Arkle's brother, winger Sam, scooted over to put York just 11 points adrift at 24-13 behind with quarter of an hour remaining.

But any hope of a sensational turnaround was nipped in the bud when Hull scored their fifth try near the end when former Hull RL star Maea David battered his way through.

York's relegation was confirmed by Bridlington's 28-22 win at Westoe which leaves the Dukes Park club five points ahead of York, and nine ahead of bottom club Northern with just two league games to play.

Updated: 10:58 Monday, March 15, 2004