ROWNTREE Rowntree RUFC were denied their first victory over a York XV for the first time in several years by a controversial penalty try.

The try was converted by Dan Hardy to give York 3rds a 32-21 win.

Nestle's pitch was unplayable so the game was switched to Clifton Park, where the surface was okay.

Trees' forwards on top from the off and number eight Ben Morrison soon crashed over, Dave Harder converting.

More pressure should have brought another try but a loose ball was snapped up by York left wing Jonathan Souch, who raced away to score .

This was soon followed by a good move in the York backs for Jake Stewart to cross.

Trees came charging back and, after prop Jack Gabbatiss stormed over, Harder converting, they seemed to take control, as James Hambleton scored before a superb passing movement had Jack Daniels going over for a deserved 24-15 half-time lead.

They charged upfield on the resumption and Gabbatiss backed up to race over, Harder's goal making it 31-15.

Back came York with tries by Dan Hopley and Mark Harris but Tress seemed to holding out - until a penalty try for a late tackle 40 metres out gave Hardy the chance to boot the winning points.

The previous week, Rowntree overcame wintry conditions to beat Knaresborough 22-5 in a friendly.

They started the better and a forward drive produced space for winger Harder to score.

They soon had another try on the board when second-row John Thomson found space to race away, Harder converting.

Trees tackled superbly to keep Knaresborough out but they were broken near the break and conceded an unconverted try.

The second half was an even affair for a while but flanker John Neal scored after some strong running from hooker Fred Huston.

Trees then made the game safe when replacement winger Ian Martindale swerved past his man and scored in the corner.