YORK RUFC picked up five points against Bradford Salem and maintained their chase for play-off qualification in Yorkshire One.

The game was riddled with errors but York’s superiority in the scrum and the close quarters just about tipped the scales.

Shane Goulding scored from York’s first real attack but the conversion was missed by Neil McClure.

The lead was not to last long as Bradford used a clearing kick, with no real chase from York, to launch their own attack. Simple straight running and hands allowed number 8 Baines to score a converted try.

York continued to give the visitors too much space and first-up tackles went missing.

The only positive during this phase of the game was the scrum where York had the obvious dominance and used it to launch attacks.

Ironically, it was a mistake by York from the base of the scrum which gifted Bradford their second try. A pass from Ambler went to his opposite number who ran 25 metres to go over the line. Converted, Bradford had extended the lead. 5-14.

York had a better re-start with winger Nicholson collecting the drop-out from McClure’s boot. The home side managed to hold on to the ball and build solid phases.

Eventually the ball for to McClure to score an excellent try. Davies was unable to add the extras. 10-14.

York were intent on tightening up their performance and doing the basics.

A clearing kick from McClure was again without chase but, luckily for York, the returning kick by Bradford was kept in the field of play and Will Atkin ran onto the ball. Making good ground, Atkin recycled to Parker, Ambler showed good hands to pass to Goulding who crossed for his second try of the game.

Davies added the extras to give York a 17-14 lead.

York’s fitness and strength in the scrum was evident and they continued to pressurise the visitors as they pushed for the bonus point.

Bradford were reduced to 14 men when their scrum half was yellow carded but York failed to make the advantage count.

The referee struggled to keep control of the scrum and it took a number of re-sets before York shoved the Bradford pack over the line for Goulding to score his third and more importantly, York’s fourth try. Again, the conversion was just wide. Final score: York 22 Bradford Salem 14.