YORK RUFC remain on the hunt for their first win of the season heading into Saturday's home clash with in-form Cleckheaton (3pm).

York were unable to bounce back from the 13-10 opening round defeat they suffered at Alnwick as they fell to a 24-14 loss away to Billingham.

The fixtures get no kinder for the Clifton Park club in the Regional One North East as, on Saturday, they host Cleckheaton, who have won their opening two league matches, beating Scunthorpe 26-22 and West Bridgford 45-11.

York will be seeking to build on the positives shown in their defeat at Billingham, another side with an early 100 per cent record.

The visitors took an early lead in County Durham when George Davies dummied at the line before putting Will Fordy in under the posts. The former added the simple conversion, his first of two successful attempts at goal.

Billingham soon levelled when York lost their own line-out and Luke Wilson finished off a Peter Evans chip over the line. Jobe Roxby, who was perfect from the kicking tee, added the extras.

Despite losing full-back Sam Elliot to injury, the away side rallied to move back in front when Toby Atkin put Willem Enslin in the clear, who in turn fed Lewi Jackson to charge clear.

The hosts found another equaliser before the break though as Jordan Foulds crashed over from a line-out maul.

Billingham began to slowly build pressure after the break, utilising their resolute defence and keeping their own mistakes at bay. They made all momentum count when Dan Dixon barged over seven minutes into the second half.

York were then penalised for an infringement at the ruck, allowing Roxby to land a penalty goal.

Worsening weather meant that neither side were able to add further points during the final quarter.

Meanwhile, leaders Malton and Norton go in search of a third straight Regional Two North East win from as many matches at Selby on Saturday (3pm).

Selby return to the field after seeing last weekend’s trip to Dronfield postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Malton beat Scarborough 36-21 last time out at The Gannock, with Ali Fothergill, Sam Triffitt, Ed Lockwood, Ben Tenge and Josh Weatherill crossing for tries, the latter scoring twice. James Bulmer added three conversions.

Elsewhere in the division, Pocklington host Old Crossleyans on Saturday (3pm), having also seen last weekend’s fixture, at Morley, postponed.

In the Counties Four Yorkshire, Nestle Rowntree will be seeking a third win from as many matches at home to Aireborough on Saturday (3pm).

Rowntree edged past city rivals York RI 10-9 last time out in a fiery affair that saw five cards shown, four to RI (three yellows and one red) and one (yellow) to Trees.

York ran up a 9-3 lead after a try-less 79 minutes before Matty Downs crossed for Trees in the final play of the game. Joe Deighton bagged the match-winning conversion.

A trip to Old Otliensians is up next for York RI on Saturday (3pm).