NEW home and fresh distinction was the proud preserve of York Lokomotive ARLC.

The Lokos graced their new base at Knavesmire by beating visitors Selby Warriors 34-24 in the semi-final of the York and District Cup to reach the first final in the club’s history.

Selby were first on the scoreboard with a converted try after ten minutes, but almost immediately York countered with a try from hooker Ricky James, who squirrelled his way over the line from acting half.

This was soon followed by the try of the match as the Lokos kept the ball alive on the last tackle. With the Selby defence expecting a kick, the ball passed through several pairs of hands, before reaching captain Liam Watling who scored by the posts. Watling converted.

Showing great mettle in the bid to reach the final for the second time in three years, the Warriors hit back with two quick-fire converted tries to regain the lead.

But James again stole his way over the whitewash and, then on the stroke of half-time, Watling bagged another converted try to leave the score 20-18 at the break.

Lokos took control from the off in the second half with enthusiastic defence and greater support going forward and soon stretched their advantage with a try from Tom Gargan.

Prop Matthew Foko Richardson took four Selby defenders over the try line to touch down.

With 15 minutes left, Selby rekindled hope with a converted try, but the Lokos made the result safe when Watling claimed his third try with James adding the extras. Watling, James and hard-running forward Jonny Cambridge were the Lokos’ star performers.