York stared an elusive first North Two East victory of the season in the face - and finally lost 17-14 to Beverley, whose full-back Mike Kilgannon converted a late penalty.

After a tough season it was very much to York's credit that they summoned the spirit to fight back, despite being short of four regulars and losing Chris Dempsey half-way through the first period with a damaged eye.

York started well with flankers Jim Hawcutt and Paul West disconcerting the Beverley pack with tenacious tackling and ball retrieval.

If York had used the ball better they might have gained an early advantage, but they were prone to lose the ball in the tackle or pass, which afforded Beverley breathing space.

The home side gradually found their composure and brought their speedy backs in to play with rapid handling and strong running. Fly-half Mike Winter was at the helm of most Beverley attacks and he released the powerful and quick Kilgannon deep into the York half, where the ball was recycled out to the right for flanker Callum Wilson to score too wide out for Kilgannon to convert.

Under scrum half James Arkle's promptings York enjoyed more than terrirotial parity, but they were always vulnerable to lightning counter-attacks, which yielded position for Kilgannon to kick two penalties.

Later in the half persistent rain hampered the hosts' running game and an interval torrential downpour allowed York to revel in the heavier conditions.

York countered, backed by good fortune. Forced into a five-metre scrum on their own line Beverley failed to control their heel and Arkle nipped in for a try converted by Nathan Savage.

York's passing was laboured compared with their opponents and they tended to try to handle rather than kick their way out of trouble. In one such spell Beverley took advantage of a York offence for Kilgannon to kick a penalty.

York responded, bulldozing their way forward. The pack generated a powerful maul and centre Andy Hurst emerged unseen to sprint 35 metres to score under the posts Savage converted for 14-14.

York sensed victory, but Beverley had the resilience to get back into visiting terriroty, where York conceded an offside penalty. Kilgannon duly converted. York tried hard for the winning score, but Beverley had enough pace and strength to hold out.

York's final chance of a League victory now hinges on whether foot and mouth-stricken Morpeth will be able to travel to Clifton Park on the Saturday after Easter.

Updated: 11:48 Monday, April 02, 2001