YORK now stand alone at the head of Yorkshire One but it required a skin of the teeth 19-13 home victory over Doncaster-based Wheatley Hills to secure the top spot.

Assistance was given by Bridlington who lost to Huddersfield YMCA, themselves defeated by York two weeks ago.

York's success was secured by a convincing first half performance that took them into the interval with three tries and a 19-8 lead.

The second half was a total contrast with Hills commanding possession and enjoying overwhelming territorial dominance. If they had possessed a decent goal kicker, they would have gained the spoils but, as it was, they had to run most of their penalty opportunities and met a mighty wall of defensive resistance from the York opponents.

York opened the scoring when James Arkle and Sean Bass recycled quick ball to release right winger Simon Cavey who sneaked in at the corner.

Five minutes later Wheatley Hills levelled the scores when weak York midfield defence allowed space for a swift handling move which saw Mark Prior cross wide out on the right.

The Hills pack was beginning to make its mark with No 8 Craig Bevan particularly effective. The visitors were next to score when flanker Andy Wyld made inroads and Prior continued the move through the centre. York were penalised for offside and Tim Rowe converted to put York 8-5 in arrears.

But after 30 minutes, York regained the lead when Arkle snapped up a loose ball and ran 40 metres deep into the Hills 22. As he was about to cross the line he was tripped by the Hills full-back Dave Hickman who was fortunate only to receive a yellow card. The referee awarded a penalty try which gifted Mike Ford an easy conversion.

Shortly before half-time, York extended their lead to 19-8 when a Craig Ventress miss-pass found Bass in full flight. He sliced through the centre and rounded the full-back to score. Ford again converted.

Hills missed an early penalty opportunity after the break but they were beginning to exert pressure on the York line.

Despite having missed another penalty kick, Hills stayed on the attack and Wyld powered his way over from close quarters.

Hills continued to attack but York's defence held.

Updated: 11:45 Monday, October 14, 2002