YORK RUFC produced one of the best results of the season to stun runaway league leaders Bridlington.

The men from Clifton Park became only the second team to inflict defeat on Bridlington who, despite the loss, are still 13 points clear and firm favourites to win the Yorkshire One title.

The result keeps fourth-placed York within three points of West Leeds, who still occupy the play-off spot.

Tom Newitt opened the scoring in the 10th minute after picking up a charged down ball. George Davies converted.

Bridlington struck back and, following infringements at a scrum, drove over to score. The conversion was missed.

The pendulum swung firmly in York’s favour when a Bridlington flanker was sent off for stamping on the head of a York player with 65 minutes still to play. Davies also converted the penalty to make it 10-5.

Although playing against 14 men, the home side needed to regain their composure. Bridlington drew a penalty after playing some sensible attacking rugby.

But Will Atkin scored York’s second try of the afternoon and Davies converted for a 15-8 lead. However, Bridlington got back on level terms before the interval as a Girking try was converted.

York sensed that this game was theirs for the taking but needed to be controlled and clinical. Moving the depleted Brid pack around and tiring them led to attacking opportunities late on.

This was a great test for York as previous losses this season have tended to result from mental fatigue rather than physical strain.

From another dominant scrum, York drove hard and Chris Peace, playing out of position at scrum half, dived over from the ruck to score the third try. Davies converted and further pressure told as York were awarded a penalty to move two scores ahead at 25-15.

With 20 minutes to go, Bridlington went through a purple patch and strung phase after phase together. But York’s defence was resolute and the league leaders came away with nothing.

In the final minutes, Shane Goulding wrapped up a memorable victory with York’s fourth and bonus point-winning try.