Tensions were running high following last week's cup events, but maybe too high as York looked a little over anxious for retribution early on. Playing with the elements they tried to force too much in the midfield and gave possession too easily to a pacey Brid back three, who gave an authoritative lesson on effective counter attacking all day. By result the Clifton Parkers found themselves facing a 12 point deficit on only 14mins. Firstly following a simple try at the posts for the Brid centre after some weak tackling and secondly, on the back of another counter, the Brid left wing was allowed to literally dance down the touch line and ground in the corner.

A response was needed and some belligerent driving by Hepworth forced a penalty, but Dawes hit the upright and the pack had to go again. Slowly York started to dominate this facet, especially in the scrummage, and they had their reward on the half hour. Like last week the Brid pack disintegrated on its own line, but this time the No8 was sin binned for preventing the score. York took another scrum and drove remorselessly at the whitewash until Rutherford registered the try and Dawes another post hit with his conversion.

Quick thinking from a penalty in their own 22 soon had the rampant York pack where they wanted to be, as a Dawes switch kick rolled tantalisingly deep into Brid territory. A great steal by debutant Benson, whose pace around the park did not go unnoticed, was worked through a couple of quick phases to Eveleigh on the opposite wing. He made sure despite there being still plenty left to do in the process. The missed conversion meant a 10:12 deficit at the turn round.

The third quarter has not been good for York this season and the nightmare continued. Less than 2 minutes in the midfield lost the ball, Brid countered wide into some weak tackling and went over for a deserved score.

Not to be out done York retook to their task. Billy made good ground following an Atkinson break from a deep kick return. The resultant penalty for more killing the ball was kicked to the corner and a rehearsed forward move at the lineout had Buxton over to reduce the arrears to two.

But not for long. Entering the last quarter quick ball from the return of a weak kick saw Brid exploiting the blindside for their bonus point try.

Not dispirited, and with Bowers and Norris adding some vigour from the bench, York doubled their efforts. Martin continued to make some captain's yards and Halifax gave his forwards a target to follow. The slow controlled progression to the Brid line was finished by Potrykus on a switch for a match leveller, as Dawes added the extras.

However, again not for long. Despite looking to be finishing the stronger you just can't give this Brid back line a chance. A somewhat fortunate turnover was pounced on and it was, like last week (although not in touch) Brid's right wing who broke York hearts at the death.

It was a fantastic game none the less and demonstrated how this York team is constantly learning and moving forward. Potential through hard work is slowly being realised. Pontefract at home next week is looked forward to with relish.