YORK RUFC’s ten-match unbeaten run finally came to an end with a 57-30 home defeat by Yorkshire One leaders Driffield.

A large Clifton Park crowd saw the table-topping visitors show off all their pace and skills, displaying an ability to turn half chances into pressure and points. The home side took 20 minutes to get into their normal stride, by which time they trailed 19-5 as Driffield scored three tries, including a penalty try, plus two conversions. York’s try came from winger Billy Cakaunitabua.

With Jon Dawes sin-binned for tackling without the ball, York’s Richie Roberts was helped over the whitewash from a good catch and drive from a five-metre lineout. Matt Dudman converted.

York missed an opportunity to score again while Driffield were down to 14 men after a yellow card on the half hour.

Five minutes later, against the run of play, Driff scored their bonus-point try from 65 metres out.

The conversion made it 26-12, but a Dawes penalty pulled York back to 26-15 at half-time.

The hosts started the second half well with a good drive from Sam Potrykus, rewarded with a penalty from Dawes.

However, the visitors were good with ball in hand and another converted try made it 33-18. Despite having another player sin-binned, Driffield extended their lead with two further tries by the 65th minute.

Try-saving tackles from Cakaunitabua, Mark Benson and Joe Maud helped to keep the score down as York refused to cave in.

York’s two second-half tries stemmed from superb handling.

The first was a result of running the ball from deep in their half, with Eddie Bradshaw attacking the wing before passing inside for Pete Martin to score. Dawes added the extras.

Driffield bagged two more converted tries, either side of York’s last touch down.

Dudman threw the ball wide left to Ben Hepworth and his quick pass sent Cakaunitabua in for his second try.

The defeat leaves York in fifth place in the table, 11 points behind Ilkley in fourth and five ahead of sixth-placed Pontefract.