York Knights booked their place in the Betfred Challenge Cup Sixth Round and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Finals after a thrilling come-from-behind 22-18 win over Newcastle Thunder at the LNER Community Stadium.
Joe Brown broke the arm-wrestle midway through the first half before Marcus Walker and Jack Miller struck back to give Newcastle a 12-4 lead at the break.
Back-to-back tries from AJ Towse and Matty Marsh turned the tide back in York's favour early in the second period but Mac Walsh's score saw Thunder hold a 18-16 with a dozen minutes to go.
However, a fine solo try from the returning Liam Harris ensured the Knights' progression in the Betfred Challenge Cup - with the potential of a Betfred Super League club awaiting in the next round - and their qualification to the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Semi-Finals, with the latter competition's Final taking place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 12th August (5.15pm).
The first quarter of an hour was a tight affair but the Knights profited from the patient pressure they built.
On the back of James Glover's grubber kick, which won a goal-line drop-out, Marsh's fine cut-out pass put Brown in for an aerial finish. Glover was wide from the kicking tee.
Newcastle responded with two tries in the space of 10 minutes to turn the contest on its head.
After Miller's short kick won a drop-out, Thunder shifted the ball left for Walker to finish out wide.
The visitors won another drop-out, this time Nikau Williams' chip-and-chase calling the Knights defence into action, and capitalised when Miller grounded Connor Bailey's kick through the line.
Two Williams conversions left Newcastle 12-4 up at the break.
York could scarcely have wished for a better start to the first half though, with Towse acrobatically finishing Glover's neat delayed pass.
From the next set, the Knights created an overlap on the right, with the supporting Marsh put in the clear by Brown. Glover twice converted for a 16-12 lead.
However, Newcastle regained their advantage when Walsh crossed the whitewash after creating numbers down the right edge before Williams converted.
But, the Knights showed great character to score a decisive fourth try. Having been awarded a penalty on the last tackle, Harris ghosted through the line in trademark fashion.
Glover's successful kick took the lead to an eventually unassailable four points.
York: Marsh, Towse, Glover, Antrobus, Brown, Cunningham, Harris, Ta’ai, Jubb, Kirby, Field, Clarkson, Thompson
Subs (all used): Daley, Teanby, Michael, Harrison. 18th Player: Ward
Tries: Brown (17’), Towse (45’), Marsh (47‘), Harris (64‘)
Goals: Glover (3/4)
Newcastle: Donaghy, Johnson, Walker, Walsh, Clegg, Miller, Williams, Chapelhow, Davies, Moore, Tuliatu, Bailey, Clarke
Subs (all used): Okoro Aroh, Chapelhow, Lightowler, Flanagan. 18th Player: Walton
Tries: Walker (24’), Miller (34‘), Walsh (53’)
Goals: Williams (3/3)
Referee: Nick Bennett
Geoff Pryce Player of the Match in partnership with Isaac Poad Brewing: AJ Towse
