YORK Rugby Union Club cruised into the second round of the Yorkshire Cup last night with a 21-6 win at higher-ranked Goole.

The prize for the Yorkshire One club is a second round home tie against National League division two outfit Wharfedale at Clifton Park next Tuesday (6.30pm).

York coach Andy Gair wants to use the cup to develop the side for next season and had concentrated on putting on a morale-boosting performance.

His side, which was missing nine first-teamers, did not let him down, with young centres Stuart Davies and Sam Arkle particularly impressive in their first game together since early season.

York also had to contend with having no preparation time as the 6.30pm kick-off forced them to start cold.

Goole scored two penalties to Craig Ventress' one to go 6-3 ahead, but York remained solid and contained the speedy Goole backs before taking control, especially in the forwards.

York went ahead when a lineout drive ended in veteran prop Nick Hare, playing in the second row, touching down. Ventress missed the conversion but notched a penalty and, after the interval, York dominated, getting better second phase ball and bringing the backs into play.

Left winger Joe Brown was pulled back off the ball after a chip and chase to be awarded a penalty try, which Ventress goaled. Mark Roberts completed the scoring with a drop goal.

"Given we had so may players out it was a great performance, and we were getting stronger and stronger," said Gair.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, April 18, 2002