YORK will head into the New Year level on points with Yorkshire One rivals West Leeds in a battle for play-off qualification.

A comfortable victory over neighbours Selby ensured that York remained third in the table with West Leeds second having picked up one more victory.

Leaders Bridlington are 18 points clear and firmly on course for the title - which means York’s most realistic target this season is second spot.

As the pitches start to dry out, York will no doubt be confident that their fitness and pace can help in their cause.

Selby, in contrast, have endured a disappointing season by their own standards with a raft of junior players drafted into the squad amid a struggle for consistency. They are now just two points above bottom of the table Yarnbury.

York fielded a strong side with Toby Atkin and Tom Newitt returning to the backs. The forwards remained unchanged and put in a committed industrial performance.

The difference between the two sides was soon evident as York made ground quickly with Shane Goulding and Sam Forbes leading the charge. But for silly mistakes, York would have converted their pressure into points sooner.

The first score came at a canter when captain Chris Fox overlapped on the right and the returning Newitt scored. Davies was close but not close enough with his conversion.

As well as enjoying dominance with the ball in hand, York took control of the scrum and took possession from the first of four balls won against the head.

A misjudged clearance by a Selby defender landed in the hands of Will Atkin who made the most of his opportunity to score a well finished try. Conversion missed, York extended their lead to 10-0.

Strong running in midfield by Marc Benson drew a penalty. From the resulting line-out, Benson made more yards eventually allowing Goulding to score York’s third try. Davies converted.

To their credit, Selby refused to submit and a rare visit into the York half drew a penalty within striking distance. Converted, this removed the indignity of being ‘nilled’ at home.

York secured the bonus point before half-time when Goulding exchanged passes with Newitt before grabbing his second score in ten minutes. Again the tight angle beat Davies and, as the half time whistle sounded, York were ahead 22-3.

The first try of the second half came when Newitt showed his class on the 10 metre line and beat two defenders to score an excellent individual effort. Again unconverted.

Newitt got his third and York’s sixth try when a scrum released Goulding and simple hands between Atkin and McClure released the rampaging Newitt, now in the centre. Again, the usually accurate Davies pushed the ball wide of the posts.

As Selby tired in the closing stages, York continued to push and dominate. Newitt bagged his fourth try as the ball came from the scrum and clean hands allowed him to step inside and outside before scoring in the corner. Final score: 37-3.

Sympathy goes to the unlucky Davies who only put away one of his seven attempted conversions. His strike rate was below his usual high standard but the lost points, on this occasion, were not that significant.