INJURY-HIT York RUFC opened 2009 with a 22-5 defeat away to Yorkshire One high-flyers Bradford Salem.

The Clifton Parkers defended manfully against the joint leaders, but were unable to match their hosts’ clinical finishing.

The partly-frozen pitch was deemed playable shortly before kick-off and Salem made an impressive start, scoring an unconverted interception try in the first minute.

The Bradford pack, weighing in at two stone per man heavier than York, made their extra muscle tell with a surge to the line as the home side led 10-0 at half-time.

York held their own for 20 minutes after the break, but were unable to break through, and Salem scored a breakaway try which was converted.

A well-worked move saw the home side stretch their lead to 22-0 before right winger James Geldart followed up his own chip kick to get York on the scoresheet.

Craig Ventress, deputising as kicker in the place of ill brother Nic, missed the conversion attempt.

York were missing five first choice backs and they suffered a further blow as second-row Grant Williams was forced off after only ten minutes.

Captain Jon Sharpe was York’s stand-out performer, while centre Sam Arkle made a series of breaks only to find no team-mates in support and Graeme Smith impressed at scrum-half.

York now face a key derby clash with ever-improving rivals Malton & Norton, who pushed North 2 East side Driffield all the way in a friendly on Saturday.

Driffield emerged 22-12 victors, but the result was in the balance until the final whistle as Malton played their part in an entertaining game.