THE Scarborough RUFC match programme used the word “juggernaut” to describe York’s progress this season - and it duly rolled on with a 15th win out of 15 matches in Yorkshire One.

However, this one over on the east coast against fellow high-fliers was far from easy, York needing to come back from a first-half deficit and then survive a nervy finale to take the spoils with a 17-14 victory.

Before a good-sized crowd, the Clifton Parkers kicked off into the wind and quickly gave away territory as they committed several infringements on the ground.

It all led to Scarborough taking the lead after only three minutes through fly-half Tom Harrison converting a penalty shot at goal.

There followed a messy period of play with Scarborough pressing territorially but meeting stern resistance.

York were just beginning to right the ship when a further penalty saw Joe Maud sin-binned and Harrison make it 6-0.

A man down, York actually began to exert their forward strength and, with more ball, the territorial balance switched significantly.

Jon Dawes made a searing break into the home half which led to a penalty and, although Dawes missed the kick, the pressure had now shifted onto the home side.

York full-back George Davies then gathered a scrambled Scarborough clearance and led the drive forward, and, when the home side were again penalised in front of their posts, Dawes this time cut the gap to 6-3.

However, York were again penalised for offside and a disappointing half finished with Harrison putting Boro 9-3 up.

Whatever coach Lee Denham said during the interval, York came out for the second half with all guns firing.

After only five minutes, Scarborough were penalised and York scrum-half Toby Atkin, with a typically sniping run, led the charge towards the home line.

From the ensuing scrum, Atkin darted over the line for York’s first try, which Dawes converted to put his side in front for the first time.

York were now dominant and with the back row driving forward powerfully, the pressure on the home defence was increasing by the minute.

After several infringements, Scarborough were lucky to keep 15 men on the field, but their resistance could not continue and eventually number eight Shane Goulding powered over for a try under the posts which Dawes converted for a 17-9 lead.

Scarborough did not see the York half during the third quarter, such was the territorial imbalance, while the visiting pack, with Steve Johnson to the fore, had totally gained the upper hand.

However, the referee was very sharp on scrummage defaults and this tended to interrupt their progress.

This, and other silly infringements, meant Scarborough were still alive as the game entered the last five minutes.

The hosts suddenly sprang to life and, after some good running by their backs, they scored a deserved try through Ben Martin. The conversion was missed.

Nerves were jangling but York played out the last minute in Scarborough territory.

Meanwhile, struggling Selby gave themselves a lifeline in their battle to beat the drop as they beat Bradford Salem 18-12 at home.

It was only their second win of the season but it lifted them off the foot of the table, above Wheatley Hills.

There was little joy for York RI in Yorkshire Four as they fell 29-0 at home to high-riders Rotherham Phoenix.

The result sent Phoenix three points clear at the top as title rivals Mosborough were held to a draw by third-placed Ossett. RI remain sixth.