YORK RUFC were comprehensively outplayed as Ilkley triumphed 26-10 in the Yorkshire Shield final at Pontefract.

The Clifton Parkers were unable to deal with their opponents mauling forward domination and struggled for possession throughout the game.

They conceded four tries through a combination of weak tackling and Ilkley’s tight forward play.

York fell behind when a succession of penalties took play to their line and scrum-half Kirk Arundale took advantage with a try under the posts, which full-back Tim Barley converted.

Although York hit back with a try from Matt Green, Ilkley went further ahead when two missed tackles gifted their opponents a further seven points. Flanker Hamish Pratt forced his way over for a third Ilkley try before York scored with a good cross-field attack from the backs, which created space for Gareth Singleton to score out wide.

Unfortunately, this was a rare piece of good back play as York made a catalogue of errors and only Gareth Singleton and Liam Watling came out of the game with credit.

The half-time deficit was 19-10 and Ilkley’s control of possession stretched their lead to 26-10 with a further converted try.

York brought on Sam Arkle, Grant Williams, Andy Kay and Rich Allen and the last half-hour was more evenly contested but Ilkley held out.