YORK City Knights returned to third in the Betfred Championship after breezing to a 38-6 victory over Newcastle Thunder.

Here are five things that we learnt from the game.

1. The manner of York's performances are as impressive as the results

A start that has produced six wins from their first eight league matches has inevitably led to plenty of confidence spreading among York City Knights supporters.

More so heartening than the wins themselves are the ways in which they have been produced.

This latest victory over Newcastle was once again secured in a comfortable manner as a short first-half blitz put the match well beyond Thunder before half time.

The 2019 season, in which York finished third in their first season back in the Championship, was full of narrow, closely-fought victories.

While the Knights have shown themselves as being capable of producing those type of performances, as seen in the 10-4 win at Batley Bulldogs, they have generally won at a canter this year.

The weekend's win over Newcastle follows on from a similar 42-13 win over Thunder in the Betfred Challenge Cup while fellow play-off contenders Widnes Vikings were beaten 32-6.

At this stage of the season, performances are arguably as important as results and currently York are finding both.

2. Difficult not to get carried away by York's start

Sitting third in the league table and performing so convincingly, it is hard not to feel optimistic about York's chances this year.

Along with a number of other clubs, it appears as if they are in a best-of-the-rest race behind big-spending top two Featherstone Rovers and Leigh Centurions.

At present, it's a race they're leading, but in the highly-competitive Championship things can quickly change.

Without wishing to overlook Whitehaven on Sunday, successive trips to Barrow Raiders and Bradford Bulls next month should give a keen indicator as to how far this group can go.

3. The Knights defence holds firm once more

A feature of James Ford's sides have been their willingness and organisation in defence.

It was evident yet again against Newcastle, having conceded 18 at bottom-club Workington Town last time out.

Letting in just six-points was the fourth time in eight league matches that York have conceded only a single-digit number of points.

4. Perfect afternoon for Will Jubb

Will Jubb could hardly have written a better script himself. He marked 100 York appearances in front of the home fans, while setting up the opening try and comfortable win and got a rare rest for good measurer too.

Given his inspirational story, no one could begrudge him for having such a sentimental occasion to savour.

5. Question marks over Newcastle remain

While it is only right to celebrate York, equally Newcastle's performance must be scrutinised.

With a full-time squad assembled over the off-season, it is thought that Thunder have the third-biggest wage in the division.

Newcastle offered little in attack against York and their ill-discipline particularly hampered them.

The aforementioned visits to Barrow and Bradford may well provide stern examinations of York's play-off credentials.