YORK City Knights secured a narrow 10-4 victory away to Batley Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant at the weekend.

Here are five things that we learnt from the game.

1. A win reminiscent of the 2019 season

It is fair to say that, over the past year or so, the great success of York City Knights’ 2019 season has felt like a distant memory.

Since that famous year, there has been a vast turnover of players, a topsy-turvy 2021 season and the coronavirus pandemic.

At Batley, signs of York’s third-placed finish, now nearing three years ago, were in view.

Narrow victories were the hallmark of that particular Knights side and the dreadful weather conditions and mud bath field dictated a tight contest.

Head coach James Ford has consistently talked up the character of the squad he has assembled this year and they could hardly have passed a bigger test than a hard-fought win at Batley.

2. York able to boast victory over play-off rival

The manner of York’s win in the muddy surface is worthy of great praise, but it should not be forgotten just how good this Batley side are.

Last year, Batley placed fourth in the Betfred Championship before shocking Bradford Bulls in the play-offs.

Ultimately, their campaign was ended by eventual promotion winners Toulouse Olympique but the progress made by coach Craig Lingard was undoubted.

Such momentum was maintained through the early stages of this campaign, dispatching Halifax Panthers and Newcastle Thunder.

For the Knights to boast an early triumph over a likely play-off contender can only give them confidence moving forward.

3. Fans beginning to see influence of Pauli Pauli

As York’s most high-profile signing of the off-season, there was always likely to be a fair deal of pressure rested on the shoulders of Pauli Pauli.

A former NRL and Super League star with international experience also on his CV, big things are expected from the towering forward.

The aforementioned conditions at Batley were always going to make it tough for a player of his ability to truly shine in an attacking sense, particularly given that he had a long stint on the field.

But Pauli still managed to produce the game-breaking moment, handing off to Will Oakes in the left corner late on in similar fashion to his offload assist for Jamie Ellis against Dewsbury Rams.

Hopefully as he continues to settle in at York and pitches become more suited to his game we can continue to see the class of Pauli Pauli.

4. Myles Harrison proves safe as houses

It is remarkable that a starring display from an 18-year-old full-back playing in just his fourth league game comes as little surprise.

York named Myles Harrison as their Geoff Pryce man of the match with the teenager once again proving immaculate under the high ball.

Ever since his impressive debut against Wigan Warriors last year, it is a department in which Harrison has stood out.

His next challenge is to develop the attacking side of his game and work behind the scenes with the consistently excellent Matty Marsh can only aid in that particular area.

5. A day to forget for Perry Whiteley

Whenever you spot a former player on the opponent’s team sheet, it’s only natural to fear the worst.

Fortunately for York, Perry Whiteley was unable to exercise any revenge for Batley.

It was a tough afternoon for the winger who twice cheaply lost the ball and saw Oakes score down his flank.