YORK RUFC dropped to fourth spot in the Yorkshire One table after a cruel 31-30 defeat by Hullensians.

It was only the third time in eleven games that York had failed to win in the league.

York’s first time tackling was not up to standard and they often failed to secure the ball on the ground.

From one such turnover Hullensians, in a sweeping movement, went over in the corner.

York hit back from the re-start with Goulding crashing over on the left. Davies’ conversion hit the post.

A York drive broke down in midfield and resulted in scrum half Smith scampering in under the posts. Baldwin converted ( 12-5).

As has been the case so often this season, York looked to Newitt and, having secured a good line-out, he scorched over. Davies’ kick was narrowly wide. (12-10).

York continued to lose the ball on the ground. Some slick handling allowed the home side to score wide on the left followed by an excellent conversion (19-10).

Newitt again proved the saviour, picking up a loose ball, evading four tackles, and scoring under the posts. Davies converted (19-17).

This marked the start of a period of York pressure. Good tactical kicking by McClure and a penetrative run by Atkin put York on the front foot and Nicholson scored under the posts. Davies converted (19-24).

The first half finished with McClure just failing to find an unmarked Newitt which, otherwise, might have put the match beyond Hullensians.

The start of the second half saw York camped in the opposition’s half. Davies converted a penalty (19-27).

The home side conceded a further penalty which Davies put into the corner. York failed to secure the line out and the pressure was relieved. A further pressure penalty saw York kick for position and lose the subsequent line out. This failure to convert pressure to points proved to be a key element in the match.

Hullensians came more into the game and Smith crashed over for a try against the run of play which was subsequently converted (26-27).

Desperate pressure from York saw Davies convert a further penalty (26-30) and, when York were penalised for not releasing, a driving maul brought a converted Hullensian try(31-30). York battled to the end and the last play was forced into touch one yard short of the line.

Nestle Rowntrees were beaten 40-24 by Moortown in the Yorkshire Merit League. Ben Morrison (2), Dave Helsden, and Jack Gabbatiss scored tries for Trees with two conversions from Jack Daniels.