York beat Cleckheaton 21-7 in a friendly match at Clifton Park.

Although both sides were somewhat changed from their optimum League selection, it was a heartening victory for York, who had been apprehensive in mid-week about tackling the table-toppers from the League above them.

York coach Andy Gair's decision to accept the challenge in order to maintain momentum was well rewarded.

York were generally on top enjoying territorial superiority from the start. They recycled the ball and played enterprising rugby so it was a bit of a disappointment when full back Mike Ford missed a penalty attempt.

After 15 minutes, their pressure paid off when centre Russ Allerton burst powerfully down the middle to put lock Brad Macdonald in for a try which Ford converted.

York continued to attack as they were helped by Cleckheaton continually losing possession, Sean Bass, playing well at scrum half, picked up a dropped ball and nearly went clear.

The match was strongly contested and York prop Adie Martin had to leave for facial repairs when he was unfortunate to collide with an opponent at a lineout.

This gave a new recruit, Army prop Jim Beart, a chance to show his paces. Unfortunately, this led to further ugly scenes and York lost Ford and Stu Davies to the sin bin.

York were relieved when half-time came, but remained under strength as the second half started with an early success for Cleckheaton when Joff Ward burst over for a try which Craig Rika converted.

Back at full strength, York earned a penalty which fly-half Craig Ventress hoofed 40 metres to the Cleckheaton 22.

York took the line-out, where Andy Kay and Macdonald were outstanding, and mauled the ball right to their line, where skipper Jeremy Clutton got the touch down. Ford converted and York led 14-7.

York extended their lead when, on a blind-side move, Ford neatly ducked under a tackle to slip the ball to wingman Rob Liddle, who shot in at the corner for Ford to convert with an excellent kick.

Rika took Cleckheaton back on the attack and a sweeping move nearly saw them over on the right, but York finished on top when Clutton broke down the centre with an outrageous dummy. Then Ford and Kay combined to go close as the final whistle called an end to an entertaining match.

York should have gained considerable confidence in their own ability to take into next week's key match at Yorkshire Division One leaders Hull.

Updated: 12:07 Monday, December 17, 2001