BOSS Paul McDermott praised the spirit in his inexperienced York Lokomotive ARLC side after they bounced back from defeat to end Cutsyke’s unbeaten start to the RL Conference Yorkshire East division season, writes Peter Martini.

The Lokos were short of several players due to injuries and work commitments and could only field one prop yet came from behind to overcome a big and experienced home team 30-24 – Gareth Howell scoring a brilliant last-minute winner.

They now host old foes Scarborough Pirates at York RI on Saturday (2.30pm) having retained top spot a week after their own winning start was ended by Knottingley.

McDermott said: “The players realised they had lost their focus against Knottingley and were determined to rectify that error. Teams need the ability to learn from mistakes, to be honest with team-mates, follow instructions and have the correct attitude. These skills the Lokos possess.”

Cutsyke, with a passing game and a dangerous loose-forward, led 14-2 at half-time, the Lokos’ earlier possession and territory having been repelled by fine defence.

Intelligent team-work and communication saw the Lokos take a stranglehold after the break, but Cutsyke’s experience helped to keep them in the game, a try with six minutes to go putting them six points ahead.

But Lokos hit back. A try by the excellent Liam Watling – who will now be missing due to surgery on an arm injury – and Tom Storey’s conversion levelled matters. When a deft kick by Watling was fumbled, Howell gathered and went on a brilliant run, skipping, spinning, and sidestepping to the line, Storey again goaling.

Lokos’ earlier points had come from tries by Matt Turner, Storey and Jon Hough, plus a penalty and two other conversions by man-of-the-match Storey.

McDermott said: “Even the home supporters conceded a better side had won, which is a marvellous accolade.”