York made heavy weather of beating a committed Old Rishworthians side 15 points to 16 at Copley (Halifax). Their task was made particularly awkward as they committed a string of basic errors and tactical mistakes and were on the wrong side of most of the referee's decisions throughout the match. York were missing Jon Dawes and Liam Hessay in the backs and brought in stalwart centre Sam Potrykus and gave Nick Speck his first start at fly-half.

The home side took a deserved early lead with two penalties from Josh Kelly but he missed an easy third attempt as York struggled to put their game together. He stretched the lead to nine points before York pressure won a penalty which full-back George Davies converted. Kelly replied with his fourth penalty and the poor first half ended without either side coming close to a try. 12-3.

York made a strong start to the second half with the wind at their backs and a long kick found touch near the corner post. York took the lineout and Lewi Jackson scored with a burst over the line. George Davies put over a superb conversion to reduce the lead to two points. 12-10. Kelly and Davies then exchanged penalties before Davies put York ahead for the first time with another penalty. Lewis Hannibal returned to the fray when Parker was injured and York might have thrown the win away had Kelly not failed with two further kicks in the greasy conditions. Full time 15-16.

The penalty count was 17 to 5 in Rishworthians favour and certainly must worry the York coaches. Nevertheless it was another win where many sides will struggle this year.