A scrambled try in the closing minutes of this evenly contested league encounter at Clifton Park denied York of at least a share of the points they thoroughly deserved and gave high-flying Driffield a somewhat fortunate victory by eight points to three.

A crop of injuries had forced the York selectors into a further seven changes following last week's poor performance at Halifax - but nevertheless, this re-jigged side played with a spirit and determination sadly missing in recent outings and for long periods of this game certainly looked the better side.

For the opening 20 minutes of the match, sponsored by Buxted Food Ltd, it was all York as they stormed to the visitors' line.

Sustained pressure deserved better reward but again that old failing of losing possession virtually on the try line and a spate of penalties conceded for over-eagerness left the home side pointless.

A steadier, error-free start would certainly have paid dividends at this crucial stage.

Driffield weathered the storm and eventually gained access to home territory and a timely clearance from the boot of fly half Andy Brown kept the visitors at bay as they posed a threat. A brilliant tackle from winger Rob Liddle cleared the danger as the visitors again threatened down the flank.

Despite the absence of key players the home side were playing with great heart and more than held their own, particularly up front.

Both sides, however, were guilty of a surfeit of handling errors and the pointless first half was a reflection of this malady.

York suffered a double blow at the restart when flanker Ray McCleod and prop Chalky Meek retired through injury - Neil Lineham and Dai Lockyer entered the play.

A good run by Driffield centre Will Ollitt signalled the visitors' intention early in the second half and in the fifth minute the stalemate ended when Richard Iveson's penalty opened Driffield's account. Andy Brown's touchline kicks and the blind side breaks by scrum half Gary Cassidy gave York territorial advantage and position for the fly half to level the scores with a penalty midway through the half.

The match was far from being a classic but it did, at least, hold the interest as both sides in attack and defence cancelled each other out.

A draw seemed inevitable - but with less than five minutes of normal time remaining came that devastating knockout blow to the Clifton Park side.

It stemmed from the lineout five metres from the home side - the ball bobbled and came down to Driffield's advantage (Oh! For the commanding presence of the injured Dave Spanton!).

From the resultant ruck the visiting forwards drove over for second row Eddie Rudd to claim the vital touch down.

The final whistle signalled the end of York's spirited performance and defeat they certainly did not deserve.

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