Today’s game was understandably overshadowed by much bigger events, but both sides and sets of supporters were able to come together for a minute’s silence to mourn the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II at the start of the match.

When the game kicked-off, it got going almost immediately with debutant Sol Kench and Luke Wilson making good early breaks down each wing. York must be credited however for their impressive scramble defence to keep the scoreboard at bay in the early stages.

This changed five minutes later. After a strong passage of build-up play, York set up camp inside the Billingham 22. A clever break by Yorks number 10 saw a 2 on 1 against the full back which was well executed to allow Yorks centre to cross the whitewash and score under the posts. York duly converted. 0-7.

The hosts didn’t take long to reply, with Nathan Myers and Mike Walton carrying hard which allowed quick ball to Peter Evans who in turn delicately chipped through Yorks defence finding Luke Wilson. Luke still had work to do. Scooping up the ball he managed to fend off the would be defender scoring underneath the posts, Jobe Roxby adding the extras. 7-7

For the next 15 minutes the ball spent mainly in the air, with both sides adopting the up-and-under to gain territory. Then on the stroke of the 30, York made a great break down the right. A nice deft inside ball to a surging York prop who ran in untouched from 25 metres out. York converted. 7-14.

Before the interval, a penalised York were pinned into the 22 following an Evans touch find. The subsequent lineout, taken by Mike Walton was cleverly worked. A maul ensued. With the maul gathering momentum, the ball found its way into the hands of hooker Jordan Foulds who crashed over the tryline. Jobe Roxby again converted. 14-14.

Half-Time Score: Billingham 14- York 14

The second half started out slow with both teams going toe to toe. Billingham had the best of the possession. Peter Youll and John Padley making hard yards.

On 47 minutes Billingham camped in Yorks 5 metre line. Anth Jackson picked and went only to be stopped short. A Conner Fewster short pop found substitute Dan Dixon who with help from Burns and Spoors crashed over to score his first of the season. Jobe Roxby converted. 21-14

Less than 10 minutes after that, Billingham were able to add to the scoreboard. York penalised for infringing at a ruck allowed Jobe Roxby to add another 3 points to his tally taking Billinghams lead to 24-14.

With the weather worsening play began to stalemate. Handling conditions became difficult with much of the play again going to air.

With the clock in the red, Billingham were in desperate search of a fourth score and the try bonus point. After failing to score initially, the team recycled pushed hard but credit to York they withheld and the game finished 24-14.

Both sides put in a huge shift. DoR Peter Evans added 'This was a big step up from West Bridgford. York were physical. They like to play with ball in hand but this time they had physical edge which meant we had to step up. We played well, still areas to improve but it was a pleasing win. Its another step up again next week when we face Alnwick at their place.'

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