York Knights secured their first win of the 2023 Betfred Championship season after a dominant 32-16 victory over rivals Bradford Bulls at the LNER Community Stadium.
York twice came from behind to take a 18-10 lead into the half-time break thanks to tries from Will Jubb, Jon Luke Kirby and Ronan Michael.
James Glover added to his three conversions with four second-half penalty goals before a Josh Daley effort wrapped up a first competitive win under Head Coach Andrew Henderson.
The Knights had to battle through some adversity to take the two points after losing half-back Matty Mars to an elbow injury after just four minutes.
Despite the absence of Marsh, the hosts enjoyed a bright start, earning four straight sets on the Bradford line although they struggled to find a breakthrough.
The Bulls capitalised when Dec Patton chipped the ball to the left corner for David Foggin-Johnston to win the aerial battle. Patton failed to land the touchline conversion.
York replied through Will Jubb just five minutes later as the hooker squeezing through the Bradford line from a dummy-half scoot. Glover kicked the first of eight successful attempts from tee.
Ex-Leeds Rhinos loose forward Bodene Thompson reached out an arm to score under the sticks, with Patton converting to see Bradford regain their lead.
But it was the Knights who would hold the advantage at half time when Kirby drove through the goal-line defence from a fine drop-off pass by Jubb.
Seconds after coming off the bench, Michael won the footrace to Liam Harris’ grubber kick as the home side took full advantage of Tom Holmes’ error.
York carried the momentum into the second half and three penalties in the opening quarter of an hour ensured a 24-10 lead.
Determined defence throughout the second 40 minutes denied Bradford any valuable field position and combined with consistent Bulls errors.
The visitors failed to reach 10 metres from a goal-line drop-out, with Glover scoring another simple penalty goal.
Daley put the icing on the cake with a dummy-half dart over the line from close range.
Bradford finished with a last-minute consolation try from Jordan Lilley, which Patton converted.
York: Brown, Towse, Edwards, Glover, Harrison, Marsh, Harris, Antrobus, Jubb, Fitzsimmons, Kirmond, Dee, Thompson.
Subs (all used): Kirby, Michael, Daley, Teanby.
Tries: Jubb (25’), Kirby (33’) Michael (37’), Daley (74’)
Goals: Glover (8/8)
Bradford: Holmes, Blackmore, Arundel, Gill, Foggin-Johnston, Lilley, Patton, Lawrence, Flanagan Snr, Foster, England, Wallace, Thompson.
Subs (all used): Baldwinson, Butler, Rogers, Roby.
Tries: Foggin-Johnston (20’), Thompson (30’), Lilley (80’)
Goals: Patton (2/3)
Referee: Jack Smith
By George Hartley
