YORK RUFC, anxious to get their season off to a good start after last season's relegation nightmare, opened with a 28-25 club victory at West Leeds.

Skipper Jeremy Clutton failed a late fitness test on an injured knee and the unavailability of three first choice players left York a bit stretched against opponents who included several Southern Hemisphere recruits in their line-up.

Matt Halifax, celebrating the birth of his new son, and Chris Demsey ensured York possession from the line while the scrum also proved an effective phase of play.

York's teenage centre pairing of Stuart Davis and Sam Arkle indicated the potential at the club and Craig Ventress marshalled his back division well, following his pre-season lay-off through injury.

He was replaced by Mike Ford, a new signing from Wales, in the second half and Ford followed Ventress' lead and continued to pressure the Leeds back division with a number of players.

Stuart Davies, Ford and winger Ben Green, a new signing from RAF Linton, all made searing breaks while new man Lee Denham showed his class with a strong all-round performance and enabled James Arkle, at scrum half, to play one of his better games for the club.

The eagerness of the side to score was the only major disappointment for York coach Andy Gair with at least three further tries going begging due to a lack of patience.

Updated: 11:49 Tuesday, September 04, 2001