TABLE-TOPPING York narrowly avoided a second successive defeat before edging to a 16-15 triumph at Old Rishworthians.

Following their first loss of the campaign at Middlesbrough seven days earlier, Lewi Jackson grabbed the only try of another tough game that was ultimately decided by Josh Kelly’s failure to kick two late efforts for the Halifax side.

A penalty count of 17-5 in favour of the hosts will also have been the cause of some concern for the Yorkshire One leaders’ coaching team.

Making heavy weather of their victory at the Copley-based club, York’s task was made particularly awkward as they committed a string of basic errors and tactical mistakes.

They were also on the wrong side of most of the referee's decisions throughout the afternoon.

Missing Jon Dawes and Liam Hessay in the backs, the visitors drafted in stalwart centre Sam Potrykus and gave Nick Speck his first start at fly-half.

But it was the home side that took a deserved early lead with two penalties from Kelly.

He went on to miss an easy third attempt, though, as the Clifton Park outfit struggled to piece their game together.

Kelly did stretch the lead to nine points, however, before York pressure won a penalty, which full-back George Davies converted.

Following suit moments later, Kelly had the final say in a poor first half.

But York made a strong start to the second period with the wind at their backs and a long kick found touch near the corner post.

The ensuing lineout saw Jackson score with a typical burst over the line and Davies put over a superb conversion to reduce the deficit to two points.

Kelly and Davies then exchanged further penalties before the latter put York ahead for the first time through the same source.

Lewis Hannibal returned to the fray when Josh Parker was injured, but York might have surrendered victory had Kelly not failed with those two further kicks in the greasy conditions.

Meanwhile, Selby bagged themselves probably an even more a crucial win, this one at the other end of the table.

The Sandhill Lane side turned over high-riding visitors Heath 27-14 for their second win in their last three outings, and only their third of term.

With form seemingly improving, it gives them hope of clambering out of the drop zone in the remaining nine games.

York RI ended a four-match losing run in Yorkshire Four with a 30-17 victory over Hessle.