York RUFC took on a strong and determined Beverley side in a very close encounter at Clifton Park in which the lead changed hands several times before York grabbed the points with a try and penalty in the dying minutes. The 35-34 scoreline could have gone either way and York had to rely on a tremendous forward effort to secure the win which may prove vital as the season progresses.

York made a good start and opened their account with a penalty from John Dawes but Beverley replied with a penalty from fly-half Douboulay. York were then reduced to 14 men when Joe Maud was yellow-carded for a stamp which spoiled a promising attack. Beverley used this advantage well and excellent handling in the backs put left winger Will Turnbull over in the corner. Douboulay added the conversion as York struggled with a man light. York however managed to hold out until Maud returned on the half-hour. A long clearance from Liam Hessay put York back on the attack and a neat chip over from scrum half Toby Atkin was taken at pace by Dawes to score wide out. He levelled the score with a fine conversion. Another penalty from Douboulay restored Beverley's lead before a superb break by Hessay looked certain to produce a try but his pass to Will Atkin went to ground. Beverley hit back with some fine handling and only a timely interception by Chris Fox saved the day. York finished the half strongly and Shane Goulding was stopped short of the line.10-13.

Dawes limped off at half-time to be replaced by George Davies in his customary position at fullback and Hodges came in on the wing. The York pack were putting their opponents under real pressure and Toby Atkin dummied his way over to restore York's lead. This was short-lived as winger Turnbull took advantage of some weak York tackling to force his way over for a second try. Douboulay converted for a 5-point lead which stung York into action. The home pack hit Beverley with such force that they were awarded a penalty try. This lead was extended when good handling in the backs put Will Atkin over in the corner but York then seemed to take their foot off the gas and presented Beverley with a gift try for centre Graham, converted by Douboulay. Things got worse for York as they conceded a further converted try 27-34 but they were not finished and centre Chris Peace cut through for a good try. Hessay's conversion attempt came back off the post but his final penalty effort was straight and true to give York the win they just about deserved.

Starting the season with 5 points and extending the run of home wins, now going back to March 2016 !