York RUFC eased into the fifth round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase with a comfortable 29-7 victory over a good Lincoln side.

The home side played with great urgency at Clifton Park and, from the kick-off, peppered Lincoln’s young half-back pairing.

Craig Ventress and Graham Smith always had the edge, and pinned the visitors back.

Nick Ventress opened the scoring with an well-worked try after good work from Andy Kay and Jon Sharpe. Ventress converted his own score.

The lead was increased by Darren Rutherford, who dived over in the corner again as Stu Davies, Kay and the excellent Matt Halifax made ground with some good pick and drives.

York’s forwards showed the better technique in the atrocious conditions, Adam Jobling always hit his line out target and Halifax and Jim Rossington were too powerful for a lighter Lincoln side.

York’s only error came late in the half when they won a lineout near their own line, only for Craig Ventress to have his clearing kick charged down for a converted try.

York’s response was swift as Nick Ventress powered his way over the line with three Lincoln tacklers struggling to hold him back.

York’s lead was as impressive as it was deserved.

With conditions worsening, York dominated the second half as Nick Ventress completed his hat-trick when good work from Smith and Sam Arkle smuggled him over close to the posts. Ventress also converted.

York’s day was complete when substitute Paul Williams showed great hands by slipping a neat ball to Rutherford who was supporting superbly to score the final try.

Captain Jon Sharpe had led a rush out of the 22 to win the foot-race, which Williams did well to capitalise on.

York’s richly-deserved win secured a place in the final regional round of the competition, with Twickenham only four steps away.