YORK showed plenty of promise as they began their exile into Durham and Northumberland One is style.

They stormed to a 19-0 victory at Billingham to get their quest of an automatic return to North Two east off to a great start.

Cross code winger Rob Kama opened the scoring after side-stepping several players out wide to get York's first points of the season on the board going into the second half when other tries by scrum-half James Arkle and flanker Stuart Davies eased them to victory. Centre Nick Ventress kicked two conversions.

York eked out the win with a controlled display, recycling the ball well and using good tactical kicking in the second half to keep Billingham entrenched within their own 22, before finishing them off with two further tries.

Coach Paul Matthews praised his side for their solid start in the new division, having been relegated last season and forced into the more northern league becuase of their geographic position. He said: "It's a win, but more importantly than that, it's an away win. When we were relegated at the end of last season, we were put into this league because we were the most northern team to go down. It means we will have a lot of travelling to do, but then they will have to come to us as well.

"I was quite impressed with the way they stuck to the game plan and worked together.

"It's always good to get your first win. Hopefully this will be the first of many."

Rob Taylor came on to make his debut and strengthen the back line.

Skipper Andy Kay was missing with a broken wrist but is expected to return to add to the promotion charge in the next three weeks.

Ponteland put down an early marker in York's league with a crushing 91-5 victory over Hartlepool.

Updated: 11:43 Monday, September 06, 2004