YORK City Knights head coach James Ford was quick to praise the sharp “edges” in his side after they got back to winning ways in Kingstone Press League One.

The Press Player of the Month for April, Josh Tonks, continued his fine form with another man-of-the-match performance, including two tries and three assists, at second-row on the left side, while Greg Minikin added to his try tally at centre on the right side.

Both wingers, Nev Morrison and the returning Tyler Craig, also crossed the whitewash as the injury-hit Knights won 46-6 at University of Gloucestershire All Golds, who have been labelled by Ford as the best expansion outfit in the division, especially after they ran table-toppers Oldham close last week.

Ford reckoned Ed Smith, playing inside Minikin, and Liam Cunningham, playing outside Tonks, also contributed to some polished attacking play.

“We’re good with the ball,” he said. “Both edges are good. Eddie and Greg down the right are an outstanding combination.

“Josh Tonks is playing very well and Liam Cunningham is playing very well, and we’re looking at them to form another outstanding combination (down the left).

“Both edges were good, and Tonksy was outstanding.”

Club captain Pat Smith, again taking the armband from crocked team skipper James Haynes, led the way with tries at the start of both halves as the Knights began well and repelled an All Golds purple patch midway through the first period. Full-back Ben Dent finished with 18 points from a try and seven conversions.

“For most of the game we were really disciplined and we had to be,” said Ford, referring to a game which had 27 penalties in all, 18 to York, and saw Gloucestershire’s Brett Scriven sent off near the end for an off-the-ball challenge on Harry Carter.

“Gloucestershire tried to slow the game down, spoil a bit and interfere at play-the-balls, and we showed maturity to stay focused.

“Momentum is always going to swing one way then the other. We dominated the first 20 minutes and were good value for our lead but a couple of penalties and a couple of rash decisions probably cost us a bit of territory and possession.

“Gloucester move the ball well and they tested us, but I was really pleased with the character we showed in defence.

“We worked hard, and to keep a team who scored 30 points at Oldham last week to only six on their own pitch this week is a feat in itself.”

* KNIGHTS players are teaming up with the Knights Foundation to stage a tribute touch rugby competition on Wednesday in memory of Keighley half-back Danny Jones, who died last week after collapsing while playing for the Cougars against London Skolars.

The players are urging “supporters, amateur teams and all people of York” to get involved.

Players can form their own teams or ask to have some Knights stars on their side.

The event will be at New Earswick All Blacks’ White Rose Avenue home, starting at 7pm. All participants are asked to donate at least £3, with all money raised going straight to the Danny Jones fund.

Knights ace Kriss Brining, currently unable to play full contact rugby due to injury, is one of the players set to take part.

“As a group we recognised we had to try to do something to help,” he said.

“We wanted to show that the players and the club care and are really hurt by the recent tragedy.

“We also wanted to give fans and anyone else in York who has heard about this saddening story the opportunity to support this cause. I encourage as many people as possible, rugby league fan or not, to add to the already overwhelming support for Danny’s young family.”

For details on how to enter, visit www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/News/