York City Knights 22 North Wales Crusaders 26

York: Harris 7, B Dent 6, Morrison 6, Haynes 6, Saxton 7, H Tyson-Wilson 7, Presley 6, Dixon 7, Ellis 6, Robinson 6, E Smith 6, Batchelor 7, Spears 7. Subs (all used): Carter 6, Moran 7, Siddons 6, B Tyson-Wilson 6.

Tries: B Dent 9; H Tyson-Wilson 16, 44; Batchelor 76.

Conversions: H Tyson-Wilson 16, 76.

Penalty: H Tyson-Wilson 40.

Sent off: none.

Sin-binned: none.

Crusaders: Johnson, Lee, Mulkeen, Hurst, Bloomfield, Hansen, R Smith, Walker, Hudson, Baker, Houghton, Atherton, Warburton. Subs (all used): Moore, Cookson, Turner, Davidson.

Tries: Mulkeen 26; Davidson 38; Hurst 55; R Smith 66; Bloomfield 72.

Conversions: Johnson 38, 66, 72.

Penalties: none.

Sent off: none.

Sin-binned: none.

Man of the match: There wasn’t really a standout performer but two tries and some improved control from Harry Tyson-Wilson, confirming his recent improvement, sees the young half-back get the nod. Unlucky to hit the post twice with difficult conversions.

Referee: Jon Roberts (Leeds) – not too bad in general but wasn’t great on offsides, and inconsistent policing of the ruck was highlighted by the very soft penalty for laying on that was the catalyst for Crusaders’ winning position.

Penalty count: 9-8

Half-time: 12-10

Weather: lovely and sunny spring day

Attendance: 700 est

Moment of the match: Joe Batchelor’s superb finish from half-way with four minutes left, pinning his ears back to outrun the chasers, gave the Knights hope.

Gaffe of the match: There wasn’t a standout blooper as such but Ryan Smith should not really have been allowed a way through to give Crusaders the lead for the first time with 14 minutes left, regardless of the harsh penalty that set the field position.

Gamebreaker: The game shifter was the referee’s call to give Crusaders a penalty for laying on with the Knights looking like they had the game under control, that free set leading to the try that gave them the lead. The next try, by Dale Bloomfield, put them two scores up with eight minutes left.

Match rating: another nip-and-tuck affair between these two sides ultimately with only one score in it, but, like the last time, the Knights camp will be scratching their heads wondering how on earth they didn’t win.