JAMES FORD says he was not surprised by the brilliance of York City Knights' standout try against Batley Bulldogs - and reckons such skills underline the potential in his team.

The highlight of Sunday's pre-season Yorkshire Cup semi-final at Mount Pleasant was the game's opening score, a blistering move involving half a dozen players.

The ball was moved through hands from the left wing to the right, where Jason Bass got a pass out of the back of his hand to Perry Whiteley. He sent the ball back inside to Matty Marsh, who got a superb pass out of the tackle to Ben Cockayne, who in turn when hauled down flicked it up for Will Jubb to finish.

Ford reasoned: “It was not a surprise. I see them all week and I’ve been working with a lot of them for a couple of years. I believe in their ability, otherwise they wouldn’t be here.

“If they keep working hard and keep trying to improve, there’s a chance this side could grow and mature into a really good side."

Batley, playing with the infamous Mount Pleasant slope and a gale behind them in the second half, came from 18-0 down to win 22-18.

But Ford added: “We’re not that far off. We need to rock up and try to get better – that philosophy will always remain while I’m here.”