York's Yorkshire One leadership clash at Clifton Park with Bridlington ended in a convincing win for the seasiders by 20-7.

But it was marred by ugly scenes 25 minutes into the first half.

Bridlington seemed to be themain protagonists but unfortunately, some York players, including two substitutes, got involved, and it became an unsightly incident that did credit to nobody.

York flanker Thomas had to leave the field after having been unconscious for some time - former skipper Jeremy Clutton replacing him - yet referee Steve O'Boyle took little action.

Throughout the match, although York at times showed commendable enterprise outside the scrum, it was Bridlington's tough and at times brutal pack which controlled the game.

Bridlington now head the league, albeit on points difference only, but the evidence of this match is that there will be a real struggle for the second promotion spot behind Brid, which, in itself, will probably require a play-off with a Durham or Northumberland club to access a higher division next year.

The opening period consisted of something of a trial of strength with the York pack besting in the tight but Bridlington's pack having the edge in loose play.

However, after ten minutes, York sprang to life.

A good tackle by Sam Arkle on the York 22 dispossessed his opponent and fellow centre Sean Bass picked up to send winger Billy Cankatabula streaking down the middle.

He handed on to flanker Gareth Thomas, who fed fly-half Mark Roberts to pace the final 20 metres to the posts. Full-back Mike Ford converted.

The bruising forward battle continued with York outsiders making occasional dangerous bursts until that 25th-minute clash.

Eventually the Bridlington pack exerted greater control and, after a penalty kick took them close to the York line, they mauled over for a try that was credited to lock Karl Craggs. Fly-half Michael Blank failed with the kick.

Within minutes Bridlington took the lead when a poor pass to Roberts enabled the seasiders' New Zealand centre Troy Hall to hack through to the line and Blank converted for an interval lead of 12-7.

The second half continued with a similar pattern of Bridlington forward control supported by an effective half-back kicking game. This earned them an early drop goal by Blank.

With two scores required to eliminate the deficit, York tried to use the wing threat of Billy and Rob Karma, who were always elusive.

However, York's handling was not really up to the job in the damp conditions. Equally, Brid had spotted the danger and applied a close spotting and tackling game to nullify York's pace.

In the last quarter, York fell further behind when Bridlington scrum-half Neil Arton applied the finishing touches. Blank could not convert and missed another penalty opportunity.

By now York's lineout work was falling apart, increasing the pressure on their defensive game. But they did have a chance of getting back into the match when Ford intercepted to break clear to the visitors' 22.

Yet a quick penalty was snuffed and not even penalised by a non-retiring Bridlington forward and York's chance of respectability vanished, and they were left to recognise that they had lost to a more street-wise side capable of exerting sustained physical pressure.

Updated: 12:35 Monday, November 04, 2002