YORK RUFC beat Halifax-based visitors Old Crossleyans 53-10 in what proved a useful workout for the Clifton Parkers, who have not played for four weeks.

Neither team was at full strength but all the York side had current first team experience except colt Darren Rotherford.

Too young to prop at this level, he played at lock and gave an encouraging display.

Crossleyans started brightly and their fly-half had an early but unsuccessful chance to give his side the lead with a penalty.

York soon stamped themselves on proceedings when flanker Grant Williams broke down the middle to send centre Sam Arkle clear. Shortly afterwards, Rutherford cleverly slipped the ball on the blind side to winger Ron Kama who flew in from the halfway line. Full-Back Tom Copeland converted both tries.

York then took a nap and the Crox backs opened up a fragile York centre defence before their No 8 crashed over for an unconverted try.

It was only in the last few minutes of the half that York regained momentum when Copeland slotted a penalty for a high tackle on Nick Ventress. Scum-half Graham Smith took responsibility and broke clear to send colt winger Mark McDaid racing to the line to give York a 22-5 interval lead.

The second half was one of increasing domination for York as their pack took control of the scrums. Flanker Stu Davies was quickly in for a try.

Copeland could not convert but he soon latched on to a loose ball to send Arkle zipping 40 yards to the line for Copeland to add the points.

The visitors were not deterred and came back at York strongly for their centre to again prise open the York defence for an unconverted try.

Then Ventress, now at fly-half for the injured Mike Ford, went over.

The highlight of the half was the running of wingman Billy Cantanbula who played for York a couple of years ago before Army duties posted him south. His pace and power took him on a thrilling 80-yard burst deep into the Crox 22. This sparked some excellent handling moves. First, Ventress initiated a move that saw Kama under the posts at pace.

The best was reserved for last when Smith and Cantanbula sparked an attack that saw the ball pass through many hands before Ampleforth schoolboy Henry James sped away to the posts.

Copeland converted both tries to leave York hoping they can replicate their form for their crucial home league match against Consett next Saturday.

Updated: 10:57 Monday, January 17, 2005