YORK put up a brave fight before finally bowing to the might of National Two visitors Wharfedale 41-8 in the Yorkshire Cup last night.

It was always going to take a monumental effort to stop the 'Green Machine', but York battled hard as they tried to bridge the four-division gulf between the two sides.

A four-try burst from the Dalesmen put them in control at half-time, but the guts and hard-work of the York side prevented them from running away with the match in the second half.

A sole penalty from ex-Hull fly-half Mark Roberts was all York had to show for their efforts at the break as they trailed 29-3.

However, York can claim a moral victory with flanker Mike Bewell breaching the Wharfedale defence for a try.

Tries from Craig Eccleston, George Smithson, Lee Battle, Graham Smith, Andy Baggett and Jon Davies (2) sealed the win for Dale. Baggett also added three conversions.

Harrogate will take nothing for granted when they travel to newly-crowned National Three North champions Doncaster in tonight's Yorkshire Cup second round tie.

The Claro Roaders have firmly set their sights winning back the Cup for the first time in ten years, and they know they can take no risks against a highly-rated Doncaster outfit.

With Mark Farrar, Jeremy Marr and Peter Taylor the only absentees, all through injury, coach Ralph Zoing will opt for experience for the clash.

"They won their league with just one defeat, which is some record, so it should be one hell of a game and one hell of a reception for us there," said team manager Graham Siswick.

"If we don't put out our best team, there is every danger we could lose, so we will have to be on our guard."

Key players Ed Smithies, Paul Clayton and skipper Rhys Morgan are among those all expected to start.

Doncaster brushed aside the spirited challenge of Pocklington in the previous round with a mixed second team, but the likes of leading points scorer John Liley should return.

Updated: 11:58 Wednesday, April 24, 2002