YORK City Knights have breathed a sigh of relief after tests showed neither Danny Ratcliffe nor Scott Woodcock suffered serious injury in the defeat at Dewsbury Rams.

It was feared that Sunday’s 28-2 Co-operative Championship One opening day loss at Tetley’s Stadium, in which the Knights were hit by a penalty count of 24-9 and had three players suspended, was compounded by long-term injuries for the full-back and prop.

Ratcliffe was carried off with ankle damage but X-rays have shown no break and nor is there now thought to be serious ligament trouble.

It is now believed the 22-year-old has suffered only a strain and, while he is likely to miss Sunday’s home match against Blackpool Panthers, he could be available for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fourth round tie at Warrington the following Saturday. Chances are good that he will be fit for the Easter double-header against Keighley and Rochdale.

Woodcock went off with suspected broken bones in a hand but X-rays have again shown no break and it is thought he has only bad bruising and swelling.

Player-coach Paul March was relieved, not least for Ratcliffe, who was playing back at his local club for the first time since leaving for the Knights last winter.

Said March: “Danny’s got a sprained ankle but nothing is broken.

“I was very close to him when it happened and I feared the worst. I heard something go, but I’m glad it’s not a break and is only a sprain. He’s very doubtful for the weekend but he could be back for the week after.

“Scott hasn’t suffered a break either but his hand is badly swollen.”

The Knights Supporters’ Club are holding a special race night on Friday at the Mansion House.

It is a black tie event is for invited VIP guests only with proceeds to be split between The Lord Mayor’s charities, RSPCA, Upstage Youth Theatre, and the Knights Foundation. The first race is at 8.30pm.