WINGER George Elliott was a late inclusion in York City Knights' reserves line-up last night and issued a claim to retain his first-team berth with two tries in a 26-6 win over Halifax Under-20s.

Elliott took the place of Adam Dent, amid rumours the latter was poised for a first-team debut, in Elliott's stead, against London Skolars on Sunday, playing alongside big brother Ben.

Tyler Craig was also a key figure last night, scoring one and setting up two in a fine display at centre.

Loose-forward Ryan Backhouse was again a man-of-the-match contender, while Jack Pickles had a good 35-minute stint at prop before being withdrawn, possibly with a view to making his seasonal bow in the first team on Sunday.

The match was marred by a new injury for Jack Iley. York's luckless back-row, who has endured a stop-start season, went off with a suspected broken ankle after being tackled awkwardly when charging down a kick.

Hooker Steven Batty and half-back James Morland also scored tries, with Ben Crane adding three goals. Fax were 26-0 down before they bagged a late consolation.