SPEED was at the core of York Rugby Union Club’s brilliant 38-20 pasting of Bradford Salem in Yorkshire One.

Twice this season the Clifton Parkers had succumbed to the forward strength of the Salem ranks, one of those defeats ending their Yorkshire Cup aspirations.

But third time round, it was third time plucky for York, whose speed on the wings and in the centres profited from the harder surface.

Said spokesman Andy Kay: “We slung the ball out wide and we tore them apart.

“Salem play a very forward-orientated game using their big pack, which was crucial in our previous games in wet and heavy conditions.

“But with the ground a lot more firm we just let the likes of Alex Nixon, Ben Hobson, Sam Potrykus and Billy Cakaunitabua run with the ball.”

Nixon led the rapid way with a brace of tries with further touchdowns for Potrykus and captain Jon Sharpe, whose delight was marred by a sending-off with 20 minutes to go for retaliation.

Paul Williams was in storming form with the boot sending over 18 points from penalties and conversions.