INTENSE rivalry between the University of York and York St John ended in deadlock at York RI's ground.

The two teams finished inseparable at 13-13 after a hard-fought encounter.

After York University had beaten their St John counterparts last month, the pressure was on both clubs to succeed.

The match opened at a blistering pace with the UOY dominating as their forwards secured valuable ball which put them within striking distance to score. The boot of fly half Andy Harrison enabled the University to take an early six-point lead through a penalty kick and an impressive drop goal.

The rest of the first half was disjointed with neither team able to break through until a moment of flair from the St John's forwards saw them rumble over to score the first try just before the half-time

whistle.

The start of the second half was equally fierce, neither willing to back down. But due to the poor conditions indiscipline was rife and both teams gave away several penalties.

St John's took advantage, converting three kicks to give them a two-point lead.

UOY responded immediately with a well worked try by their impressive forward pack to go 13-8 up, but the duel grew ragged. Two players from the University were sin-binned and one of the St John's ranks sent off.

St John's capitalized and ran in a late try to tie the score.

There was one late act of drama when a kick from the talented St John's number ten just bounced off the bar to miss out on shattering the deadlock.

Updated: 09:09 Friday, February 06, 2004