York paid the penalty for a slow start against a very competent Old Crossleyans team, who went on to win the Yorkshire One clash 26-17.

From the start "Crocks" kicked for position to maximise their home advantage on the smallest pitch in the league.

York took longer to settle, resulting in a sustained period of home pressure, which yielded a try for centre Liam Martindale who stepped inside three would-be tacklers. Scrum-half Chris Duffy comfortably converted.

Fly-half Tony Waite's tactical kicking which kept the hosts on the front foot. And, despite some stout defence, a feature of York's game this season, they were unable to prevent scrum half Duffy from scoring from short range.

Almost from the restart a pre-planned move saw Waite score. The conversion by Duffy took the score to 19-0 and only 25 minutes had gone.

York, though, refused to capitulate and, at last, started to win and retain ball enabling them to exert pressure of their own. One extended period of possession saw the ball moved wide right for winger Mike Westwood to make good ground supported by Tom Copeland and Nick Ventress. When the move was stopped the ball was switched quickly left for Carl Paterson to feed Rob Kama to score out wide for Paterson to convert.

Wilting under the pressure Crocks conceded a penalty for offside in the next phase and Paterson obliged with three points. York arrived at half-time 19-10 adrift but with a new belief.

On the hour Lee Denham had to leave the field with a leg injury to be replaced by Ian Davies.

Shortly afterwards, against the run of play, fly-half Waite breached York's defence before slipping the ball inside to centre Luke Bartle. He scored under the posts for an easy conversion by Duffy.

York returned to the attack. They spurned an easy three points from the penalty in search of a try, which duly came when centre Sam Arkle scored under the posts.

The remainder of the game saw Crocks defending their lead against a determined York attack but unfortunately for the visitors time ran out.

York will be disappointed at losing but can take some comfort that few teams will win at Broomfield and that the return match on Clifton Park's wider expanse will likely ensure no repeat.

York are now equal on points with Selby who they entertain next week - a derby match to keenly anticipate.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, September 26, 2005