YORK Groves saved their best performance of the season for the last game of their campaign to stun previously unbeaten Bank Top and make them wait for the Pennine League division five title.

The Terriers began the game certain to finish third-bottom, while the Harriers knew a win would lift them above Selby Warriors - who have completed their fixtures - and guarantee them the championship.

However, Groves fought back from 16-8 down at half-time to win 28-16.

Groves opened the scoring with a Jason Dunn penalty but Bank Top soon got into their stride with two converted tries.

Home props Neil Gullivar and Gareth Wiseman worked hard against a big pack and, although Billy Gillan saw a try ruled out by experienced referee Fred Lindop, the deficit was reduced before half-time as Neil Martyn sucked in three defenders and offloaded to the superb Paul Fairclough, who scored, Dunn converting.

Bank Top hit back with an unconverted try and so the title was in reach. However, Groves put in a near-perfect second half, dominating the game, with full-back Paul Marshall rock solid when called upon.

Stand-off Danny Buy scored an individual try, while Matt Withers and Dave Westwick put in strong surges through the middle to create attacking opportunities culminating with a John Rushworth finish.

Dunn's conversions put Groves four points up and Rushworth gave them breathing space with a 60-yard interception try. Dunn added more extras and a penalty wrapped things up.

The result maintains Selby's hopes of the title, though Bank Top still have three games left.

Updated: 09:29 Tuesday, April 05, 2005