YORK RUFC retained their 100 per cent winning record at Clifton Park with a convincing 42-17 over Wirral, writes Rob Long.

Despite this season being their maiden campaign in the North Premier, York appear to be taking to life in the fifth tier swimmingly, as they sit eighth after six league matches.

It was Wirral though who gained the early ground, with some straight heavy running causing problems for the hosts.

Scrum-half Tom Akehurst exploited a gap at the side of a ruck and advanced Wirral’s possession but his ensuing penalty attempt was wide of the target.

York retained possession and played with added tempo, particularly through fly-half Declan Cusack's accurate passing.

Sam Taylor and Ross White both went close to scoring for York but Wirral’s organisation in defence kept them at bay of the try-line.

Wirral did however concede a penalty and Cusack kicked York ahead.

The York scrummage started pushing forward and fracturing the opposing eight, which allowed Cusack to double the lead with another successful kick.

Wirral were not shocked or anxious though and they surged at the York try-line with consistent and determined possession.

Outside centre James Annetts broke through and scored the first try of the game and the successful conversion gave the visitors a slim lead.

Given a platform by their scrum, the steady York ball handling finally overcame the Wirral line.

With possession recycled, Cusack put full-back George Davies into a defensive gap to score.

The assister's conversion was good and York continued to pressurise Wirral.

The Merseyside outfit resisted and retained their discipline until Shane Goulding had enough space to accelerate and force his way over the line.

After an unsuccessful Cusack conversion, the score was 18-7 to York at half-time.

Shortly after the restart, a missed tackle enabled Ross White to make a midfield break and he had the supporting Joe Simpson on hand to score his first try of the season.

York endeavoured to gain their four-try bonus point whilst Wirral looked to break out and cut the deficit.

In the end, impatience won out until White dived over from close range to put himself on the scoresheet.

Defensively, York withstood a sustained spell of possession that saw the Wirral pack get within a metre or so of the line.

The two sides exchanged tries twice within the final 10 minutes but it made no difference to the result.

Flanker Nick Hearn scored for Wirral after a line-out drive while Joe Maud then displayed his power from close range in reply.

Tom Woffendin scored York’s sixth try before the visiting full-back Chris Crowley got a consolation score.

Elsewhere, in Yorkshire One, Selby thrashed Beverley 10-49. Meanwhile, in Yorkshire Four North/West, York RI edged past Leeds Modernians 15-17.

In the same division, Nestle Rowntree ended Aireborough unbeaten start with a 15-9 win.

Ben Suckling's try and a Ben Tunningley penalty put the Trees 8-0 in front before a pair of penalties from the visitors.

Trees number eight Zak Hardy scored the sole try of the game thereafter on 65 minutes, converted by Tunningley, with Aireborough only able to respond with a late penalty.