York Rugby Union Club ended the year on a high note by defeating Old Brodleians 22-6.

This was a vital win to consolidate their second position in Yorkshire division one, where Huddersfield YMCA are in uncomfortable proximity three points behind but with two matches in hand.

York started brightly, with fly-half Mark Roberts, on his return from an injury lay-off, breaking down the middle only to see the move break down through shoddy handling.

Brodleians responded immediately with a sweeping move into the York half and York conceded a penalty for offside which David Stoyles converted to put Brods three points ahead.

York had a chance to equalise when the Brods full back held on too long to a Roberts punt but full back Mike Ford failed with the kick.

After 15 minutes York grabbed the lead when flanker Stu Davies latched on to a wayward Brods line-out throw to spark a cross-field handling move that saw right winger Simon Cavey outpace the defence for an unconverted try in the corner.

There were some fierce exchanges up front. The scrums were fairly even, but York had the advantage at the line-out, where an excellent throw/catch combination between hooker John Sharpe and lock Brad Macdonald ensured York saw good ball.

This was not always well used, with some ill-directed kicks conferring possession to the opposition.

However, a 5-3 advantage at the interval seemed slim value for the promise York had shown.

It was not long into the second period before York extended their lead.

After Roberts had missed with a drop goal attempt, No 8 Ian Davies miraculously collected one-handed a poor Brods clearance kick that seemed destined to skid in to touch.

He charged in-field to set up a ruck from which Ford slung a long pass out to Rob Karma on the left wing some 40 metres out.

He outpaced the defence in an arcing run for an electrifying try converted by Ford to justify his somewhat controversial return to the side.

Davies reward was to be substituted by Nathan Savage and this seemed a dangerous move with over 30 minutes left.

Karma seemed certain to extend York's lead but the final pass went astray.

Brods were far from defeated and centre Mick Sykes penetrated York's defence and set up a handling move.

York conceded a penalty and Stoyles converted to leave the score at a tight 12-6 with 20 minutes remaining.

The final coup came seven minutes later when Roberts chipped to the right corner, where Cavey got possession and Roberts switched play to the left. Karma picked up a long cross-kick and swept to the posts. Ford converted.

Roberts continued to torment Brods with deft kicks and Cavey nearly scored again.

Tom Copeland replaced Ford and converted a penalty opportunity to put York comfortably clear.

York's festive break will be clouded by the knowledge that the first Saturday of the new year brings a tough away match against league leaders Bridlington, where victory would be a considerable boost for their promotion hopes, which were dinted by two sloppy defeats last month.

Updated: 10:42 Monday, December 23, 2002