Although Alnwick are only three places above York in the North East Division two League, the ten points difference is a chasm.

York's trip to Nothumberland saw York lose 19-0 to a side that could not be said to be significantly better than York, even though they boasted five county players.

Alnwick's superiority rested in the basics - ability to retain possession and to kick clear of their line under pressure and, particularly, from penalties.

Their fly half, Chris Scott, varied his kicks from defensive relief to attacking grubbers and high Garry Owens. This generally put York on the back foot when phases of the match were relatively even, particularly in the second half.

Relegation for point-less York is probably now inevitable but success is not totally elusive as their defence and commitment is excellent but they need to review their kicking game.

They are not sure who can kick best for goal or touch. It is not clear that they know the power of their kickers judged by the frequency which they miss their objectives. A missed kick concedes opportunity to the opposition whereas a kick is an opportunity to create pressure.

Alnwick kicked off with the benefit of a slope on heavy ground and York were in early difficulties. They escaped from an early Alnwick penalty failure but, after ten minutes, they went behind as the referee awarded Alnwick a penalty try for York killing possession at a scrum for Gerald Herdman to convert and give his side a 7-0 lead.

Alnwick kept York pinned in their 22 as the vicitors could not clear their lines. Alnwick combined both forwards and backs to prise an opening but lacked the creativity to break a steadfast defence. Inevitably pressure told and York conceded a penalty on their line and, at first receiver, Jim Bolam burst over for a converted try to give his side a 12-0 lead.

For the second half, the hope was that York would use the slope and heavy pitch to return the pressure.

York set off strongly and earned three penalties to set Alnwick on their heels. But, after only ten minutes, the Alnwick forwards broke clear in a cohesive move. Scott chipped through to the York line obliging York to concede a lineout from which Alnwick flanker Rod Redpath burst over to score an unconverted try.

This killed York's chances of staging a come back. They had their moments as Dirk Mulder made a break and prop Nathan Harding weaved down the left like a centre.

Lock Matt Halifax worked hard to lead his side forward but failure to retain possession either in the tackle or after the kick cost York dear. Their periods of pressure were too intermittent to inconvenience Alnwick.

If York put disappointment aside they can break their duck next Saturday at Clifton Park against lowly Old Crossleyans.

Updated: 12:09 Monday, January 22, 2001