UNRELENTING drizzle failed to dampen the spirits of York who overcame visitors Heath RUFC by 30-5 in the opening game of the Yorkshire 1 campaign.

Missing several key players, enforced changes were made with new signing Luke Stockton and skipper Darren Rutherford filling in at second row. Josh Parker shifted to number eight, Tom Newitt moved to fullback, with the 13 berth awarded to colts' product Will Atkin.

In addition, last year's utility back Jon Dawes made his debut at six having decided to play in the forwards.

With adrenaline flowing, the opening kick-off from Liam Hessay sailed into touch, gifting Heath early possession. From the scrum, their backs ran the ball wide only to meet Campbell Thomson continuing from where he left off last season with an excellent turnover earning York a penalty, converted by Hessay.

The slippery ball caused problems for both sides - along with the referee's interpretation of the new driving maul rule - however the visitors were the first to adapt on 12 minutes when flanker Downsborough scored following a five metre line out catch and drive.

The lead was short lived as York came straight back on attack with a series of forward surges from which Thomson broke through, off loaded to Hessay, who fed inside for Toby Atkin to scamper through the posts. Hessay converted to make it 10-5 and was just wide with a further penalty attempt.

A series of York infringements swung the game towards the visitors. Eric Hall came on for Stockton as the coaches rotated their squads.

Heath captured a York lineout ball and kicked deep into the York 20 metre only for Newitt to spiral a superb kick straight back to the Heath ten metre.

York's pressure continued with the scrum gaining dominance against the larger pack culminating in taking a Heath feed against the head. The ball was fed to Hessay who passed to winger Will Dunlop who shook off three defenders before slipping over for a try. Hessay's conversion was wide.

York kicked off the second half with a 15-5 advantage and an early foray into the Heath half earned a penalty slotted by Hessay.

Ben Johnson replaced Atkin and Stockton swapped with Hall with the incoming players going straight into the defensive effort forcing the Heath attack to make mistakes.

Declining an easy penalty chance, they again kicked to the five metre only for heads to drop as York stole the lineout and cleared to halfway.

On 72 minutes, Hessay and Newitt combined well to force a penalty on the ten metre. Opting to kick to the corner, the lineout was well won and Rutherford crashed over for an unconverted try, 23-5.

York saved their best till last; the ball swept along the line to Dunlop who scorched up the far wing. The recycled ball was fed down the line to the stand side where Parker drew the last man and fed centre Gareth Singleton to crash over in the corner; Hessay converted from the touchline, full time, 30-5.

All in all, this was a very good York performance against one of the division's fancied sides; it was not without fault and understandable new season rustiness, but bodes well for the season.

Head coach Lee Denham chose young prop Sam Blain as Man of the Match for his efforts in the scrum and the loose.