YORK RUFC dropped to ninth in the North Premier after suffering a narrow 16-15 defeat away to Rossendale.

Back in September, York had ran out as convincing 40-5 winners at Rossendale in the reverse fixture at Clifton Park.

But the North Yorkshire side were unable to leave Lancashire victorious and remain without a win on the field since November.

A strong return by Willem Enslin from the Rossendale kick off set the scene for the opening quarter where York dominated territory and possession.

Despite Rossendale fielding a front row of sizeable proportions, York dominated the scrum, driving Rossendale back on their own ball and creating all sorts of pressure for their half backs.

Rossendale managed to keep York out in spite of the pressure and Declan Cusack could only miss an early penalty opportunity after five minutes.

After almost 20 minutes of constant York pressure, the hosts replied with a penalty goal of their own, scored by Liam McGovern.

Having weathered the early storm, Rossendale started to construct attacking positions more frequently and the momentum swayed with solid running, consistent recycling of the ball and kicking behind the line to keep York turning.

Rossendale quickly extended their lead to 6-0 with another McGovern penalty.

York responded well pulling back the deficit with a penalty of their own from Liam Hessay.

Then a clever break from Cusack and some quick recycling took them to the Rossendale line.

Joe Maud made a mighty effort to get his body and the ball across the line but was held up short.

A series of scrums followed with York going for the pushover try but each attempt was frustrated by Rossendale.

The home side managed to York out despite losing one of their forward pack to a yellow card in the process.

To rub salt into the wound, Rossendale added another penalty to make it 9-3 at half time.

York restarted in lively mood and some quick phase ball, clean hands and a simple draw and pass put Sam Elliot in the clear to cross down the right flank.

A magnificent conversion attempt by Hessay struck the post and the visitors trailed by just a point.

Despite their unconvincing performance thereafter, York played their get out of jail free card late in the game.

Once again some quick hands gave Elliot his second try of the afternoon, this time ably converted by Hessay for a 15-9 lead with eight minutes to go.

It was all Rossendale from there on with the remainder of the game played in the York half.

Eventually, back-row Rob Willetts profited from a play down the left wing in the dying seconds.

McGovern produced a sublime touchline conversion and the final whistle blew much to York's anguish.

Meanwhile, in the North One East, Malton & Norton thrashed bottom-of-the-table Bradford & Bingley 82-0.

In the same division, Pocklington were also victorious, albeit by a far narrower scoreline, defeating Old Brodleians 26-24.

Selby were edged out 13-10 by Old Rishworthian in the Yorkshire One.

York RI and Nestle Rowntree had the weekend off in the Yorkshire Four North/West.

Rowntree II were in action though, as they won 34-5 away to Halifax II.