York RUFC got back to winning ways with a much-improved Yorkshire One performance at Ilkley, where solid work from the pack and slick handling from the backs gained a deserved 31-19 triumph.

The pack dominated the early exchanges and Ilkley were forced to concede a string of penalties before the referee awarded York a penalty try converted by Mike Cawthorne.

Further pressure on the Ilkley line won York a five-metre scrum from which skipper John Sharpe dived over.

Ilkley hit back with two tries and one conversion to level, but York re-established control with a try in the corner from winger Charlie Nicholson goaled by Cawthorne with a fine conversion for a 19-12 half-time lead.

Play was evenly balanced until York’s pack took control with a series of pick-up and drives which established a position just short of the home line. Another solid York scrum drove Ilkley backwards for a pushover try awarded to Sharpe.

A further try looked certain when the backs created a clear overlap only for an interception gifting Ilkley with a length of the field try and conversion.

However, York were not to be denied a deserved victory and a second try from exciting young wingman Nicholson saw them to a bonus-point win in which Sharpe was named man of the match by the home sponsors.

Selby shared a 10-10 Yorkshire One draw at Knottingley.