IT was sighs all round at the final whistle at Percy Park - sighs of disappointment for York and of relief for the hosts, who won 13-11 to consolidate a three-point lead in Powergen Durham and Northumberland division one.

The home supporters felt that York were the better side and in a sense they were, but merit demands that it is reflected in points and not just style. York foundered because they made poor choices at vital stages and also failed to convert three penalties that could not be described as difficult.

Park opened at pace with controlled forward passing and sharp three-quarter moves spearheaded by lively fly-half Marcus Rutter, who put the hosts ahead with a neat penalty.

The York forwards made a strong response led by stirring bursts from prop Dave Dorking and flanker Grant Williams, but it took 15 minutes to reply. After fluffing a penalty kick, the Park 22 re-start was fielded on half-way by full-back Tom Copeland, who combined with scrum-half Graham Smith and lock Brad MacDonald. The ball was moved left via Nick Ventress for Dorking to put left-winger Rob Kama in for an unconverted try.

York continued to enjoy significant territorial advantage which Ventress maximised with a penalty goal. The visitors were in the ascendancy but Ventress missed a penalty kick to touch and from the attack winger Mark Turner scored. Rutter converted for a 10-8 interval lead.

York opened the second period on the attack but opted for a long penalty kick which went wide. York then lost two consecutive line-outs and Rutter extended the lead with a penalty for offside.

Soon after, pressure on Park forced an offence in a maul for Ventress to kick a penalty.

Play was attritional with defences holding firm, though entertainment was still high. York's Williams took a great angle to make a punishing blind-side run, but the visitors could not capitalise.

York are now left with having to win every remaining match to stay in the promotion race or rely on stumbles from Percy Park.

However, York fans should note that the return fixture at Clifton Park between these two sides promises a cracker on the Saturday before Christmas. Don't miss it.

Updated: 10:08 Monday, November 22, 2004