ED SMITH has evaded a ban following his red card at Gloucestershire All Golds last week - after the home club's video equipment broke down meaning their was no evidence to show at the player's disciplinary hearing.

The in-form York second-row was sent off for alleged use of the knee amid a second-half brawl, and there were fears a ban might rule the player out of the last two games of the regular season, or even the play-offs.

However, the disciplinary panel concluded the sending-off was sufficient punishment after being unable to assess any DVD recording of the incident.

Knights boss Gary Thornton said: "There was a technical problem and the review panel decided they could take it no further as there was no evidence to back it up.

"My view is it was a brawl started by a Gloucestershire player after which players came in from both sides.

"I think it's a fair outcome. Ed is a massive part of what we do and again against Gateshead he was superb."