SHORN of no less than five props for a variety of reasons, York RUFC suffered a 23-13 North 2 East defeat at Bridlington.

The visitors had the better chances to win, but, in truth, Bridlington were the better side, led by the half-back duo of Neil Arton and Kiwi Jamie Maru.

The latter was particularly influential at fly-half, shrewdly varying his game between foot and hand. Indeed, it was he engineered the opening score for the hosts when he deftly kicked into space outside the York 22 for left-winger Adam Thomas to collect and cross from wide out.

York were immediately back in contention when a break from Mike Ford led to centre Nathan McBride blasting through to the posts. Ben Quick's conversion gave York a 7-5 lead.

The forward battle became intense and Rob Allen was off for a blood injury. His replacement Andy Kay was punched by Brid centre Gareth Payne, who went to the sin-bin. Stu Davies for York got stupidly involved and was similarly punished.

After 20 minutes Brid scored a decisive try, Arton back-flicking an awkward ball unsighted to winger Thomas. He raced clear, fed lock Matt Adams who then pased to Hamer to cross. Maru converted before adding penalties either side of half-time.

It seemed a long haul for York, but within ten minutes Quick kicked a penalty and a good kick from James Arkle got York on the seasiders' line only to lose possession. The initiative was wrested from them as Hamer broke free.

A series of slick handling moves earned the ground for Quick to add another penalty and at 18-13 the match was set for an exciting finish. But, McBride twisted a knee and had to leave the field obliging York to play out time a man short as they had used all their substitutes.

With seven minutes left a wayward clearance found Maru on the left touch just inside his own half. He passed inside where York obstructed the receiver. Referee Tudor Griffiths played advantage and Richardson got clear to score an unconverted try to seal the game.

Next Saturday York face an even harder task at leaders Hull to fulfill the fixture cancelled on the first day of the season because of Hull's involvement in the National KO Cup.

Updated: 11:11 Monday, October 13, 2003