A POOR performance did not prevent York Lokomotive returning to top spot in the RL Conference Yorkshire premier east division this week – but they know improvements are needed.

The Lokos thrashed Barnsley Broncos 62-0 on the opening day of the season but the South Yorkshire side showed considerable improvement in Saturday’s rematch while Paul McDermott’s men were below-par.

The 38-22 result still took the Lokos to the summit and they will hope to stay there after this Saturday’s home match against Barnsley’s fellow stragglers Walton.

However, the Warriors shocked play-off hopefuls Moorends Thorne last time out so the title-chasing York outfit cannot afford another off-day.

Barnsley took an early lead last weekend and it was not until the 20th minute that the Lokos hit back with a fine try by big Jim Mulroney, who had a superb game.

Bren Aherne and Tom Storey also crossed, Storey adding all the extras, and this seemed to steady York, but the Broncos hit back to make it 18-16 at the break.

Mulroney got his second try, but Barnsley levelled before the struggling hosts finally got their act together with a try out wide after a good sprint by Gareth Howell.

Man-of-the-match Matt Turner was everywhere but it was the Storey show that sealed the win as he scored two tries – one a solo effort on full-time to complete a hat-trick – plus the extras and, in between times, a penalty, to end with 22 points.