YORK Crusaders had two men sent off as they fell at the final hurdle in their Tag Rugby League campaign.

The Minster city side were beaten by Leigh Leythers in the Grand Final play-off at the Chris Moyles Stadium in Featherstone.

Crusaders finished the regular season top of the table, with Leigh taking the runners-up slot.

A fast and furious start saw a host of penalties awarded but, on ten minutes, York centre Geoff Loftus was dismissed for an incident when he drove the ball forward.

That proved a major turning point and Leigh went in front with the resulting penalty.

York were never out of the game but found it difficult to maintain pressure while a man down.

Mick Callum was a constant threat for Crusaders, but Leigh scored again before half-time.

York got on the board after the break with a score by Barry Fox.

Leigh scored a controversial try in the final quarter and events leading up to the score saw York centre Nige Kemp sent off.

Andy Turner, Nick Richardson and Craig Richardson were excellent for 11-man York.

The depleted ranks scored again with ten minutes to go, but it was too little too late as Leigh ran in a couple of late tries.

York were presented with the league trophy after the match.