York Rugby Union Club face a battle for Thwaites League North Two survival after their crushing 46-6 defeat at Blackburn.

They are now second to bottom and left pondering how to turn their season around.

They got an early boost when Nathan Savage kicked a long range penalty from just inside Blackburn's half, but York relaxed after that and the home side took full advantage.

From a ruck on the York line John Beeston powered his way over for Blackburn's player-coach Steve Kerry to add the extra points. The lead was soon increased when Blackburn's powerful No 8 bulldozed through to set up centre Freeman Paine to round York's last line of defence. Kerry added the conversion points.

Some spirited forward play rallied York with Savage charging towards the line and then Allen was held up after crossing the line, but York then conceded several penalties and soon found themselves back in defence.

Kerry's surge set up Blackburn's third try for Nigel Atherton and with five minutes left before the break Savage launched another monster penalty, from 50 yards, to trim the arrears.

Centre Sean Bass cut through at pace to boost York's spirits then Paul Scott went close and Mark Roberts combined with Russ Allerton to further pressure the home line, but once again York conceded a penalty and Blackburn were able to clear.

York showed some enterprising ball handling after half-time with Rob Liddle and Simon Bullough going close down the left flank and Allerton was then bundled into touch close to the hosts' line.

Failure to win their own ball cost York dear and Blackburn's forwards wrestled control of the game. From a tap penalty Atherton burst clear from 20 yards for his second try and Kerry's kick left York 26-6 down.

York tried to relieve the situation by running all their penalties and one break from York's outstanding player, Dave Spanton, threatened, but lack of support saw another opportunity lost.

York's advance was shortlived and Blackburn scrum half Stu Foster nipped in to score from close range and a penalty by Kerry took Blackburn out of sight at 34-6.

The influential Kerry then instigated two late tries for winger Andy Graham as Blackburn showed the killer instinct.

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