YORK RUFC dropped three points in the race for the play-off place in Yorkshire One as they lost 26-24 at Beverley thanks to a penalty four minutes from time.

The Clifton Parkers had led 24-16 heading into the final quarter but the hosts hit back with a converted try and, with the visitors lacking their earlier dominance, Beverley pressure paid off as they forced errors and earned the match-winning three-pointer.

York pushed forward again seeking an even later winner but, despite a good run on the left by Hugh Nicholson and a drive by Josh Parker, the home side had enough energy to keep them out, leaving the Minster city men five points behind second-placed West Leeds with four games left.

Beverley had started the brighter, barring a poor-performing lineout, and went 3-0 up after a York infringement at the scrum.

Another penalty hit a post but a third gave Beverley a lineout and led to more reward.

They drove the maul forward, with York captain Chris Fox sin-binned for bringing it down illegally. The hosts opted for a scrum to take advantage of the extra man and it paid off with a converted try.

York, though, spurred on by Fox's yellow card, began to attack with greater effect.

Led from the front by Darren Rutherford, Parker and Marc Benson, the forwards drove hard from the restart, forcing a penalty and setting up an effective catch and drive. Even without Fox's bulk, the pack overpowered the defenders, Parker dabbing down.

More penalties - several questionable - were given to both sides.

Beverley kicked one to go 13-5 up, but York found the corner with one of theirs, and the catch and drive worked again as Parker crossed and Neil McClure converted - the opposition also temporarily reduced to 14 men for illegally attempting to stop the maul.

The first half closed with York in control - McClure giving them good field position and game management, the forwards driving well, and Tom Newitt making yards when the ball went to the backs. Parker especially showed good leadership when captain Fox was off.

That continued after the interval.

Beverley scored a controversial penalty awarded at a scrum but York pressed on and, from clean ball near halfway, Shane Goulding set off on a trademark rampage, with Fox carrying the ball the last 10 metres, taking two defenders with him. McClure converted for a 19-16 lead.

Both sides had better phases of play, York soon getting their bonus-point try.

Sam Potrykus carried the ball hard into the Beverley midfield, initiating good carries by Benson and Will Norris, and Parker showed pace and determination to finish his hat-trick try from 25 metres and make it 24-16.

However, with both sides making changes, it was Beverley’s replacements who had the greater impact.

A well-worked try cut the gap to 24-23, and then came the late winner.