York Wasps Academy gave a fine account of themselves despite losing 38-14 in a niggly game at title-chasing Featherstone Rovers.

York opened the scoring with a Paul Flynn penalty after just two minutes but by half-time were trailing 24-2, Featherstone scoring three tries in the last ten minutes.

The first half became scrappy as the home side, frustrated by the Wasps strong defence, resorted to spoiling tactics and had one of their forwards dismissed for alleged stamping.

Rovers began the second half in the same vein as they finished the first with three tries in ten minutes.

The Wasps showed great character in working their way back into the game led by prop Nick Burgess and substitute forward Dean Winspear, who ran at the home defence all night, and some superb defence from centres Marc Dawson and Chris Spain.

A high kick to the corner saw Dawson rise above the home defence to knock the ball back to Burgess to score a richly deserved try, converted by Flynn.

York continued to press the home line and Ritchie Hunter and Winspear were both stopped just short before Nick Caldwell crashed over from short range for a converted try.

Wasps: K Wood, B Jones, C Spain, M Dawson, S Flynn, P Flynn, R Hunter, N Caldwell, A Gargan, N Burgess, P Hagan, D Brown, C Keld. Subs (all played): G Boothroyd, D Winspear, J Dick, J Harper.

York entertain Gateshead Academy on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.

Updated: 12:25 Wednesday, August 08, 2001