Skolars’ losing run continued, but it was a much improved performance against a strong York side.
York went into the lead with two quick tries, the first coming when Ed Smith’s delayed pass opened a gap for Nev Morrison, two minutes later Jordan Howden went over in the left corner. Skolars were penalised several times for holding down, which meant the Knights were able to attack with regularity. Ryan Mallinder scored down the right and when Skolars kicked out on the full they were under pressure again, Howden taking advantage to score his second try.
There was a brief respite when James Anthony was alert to follow up a kick through Marcus Elliott, who then added the conversion. Anthony managed to deflect a York pass to prevent a certain try, but the home side scored again on the stroke of half-time, Jack Pickles just grounding the ball before it slipped from his hands.
York, playing at their temporary home at local amateur side Heworth, scored again soon after the restart, Greg Minikin showing his pace to beat the defence. Josh Tonks dived over to score the Knights’ seventh try and after another two penalties in rapid succession, Liam Cunningham dummied to get to the tryline.
Skolars managed to stop York scoring in the last quarter and scored their second try when Marcus Elliott’s high kick was palmed back by Harvey Burnett to Joe Price to score on his return to the club after a season away (picured)
KNIGHTS
2 Ben Dent
26 James Clare
3 Greg Minikin
24 Mike Channing
5 Nev Morrison
6 Jonny Presley
32 Jordan Howden
8 Mark Applegarth
7 Pat Smith
10 Jack Aldous
12 Ed Smith
4 Liam Cunningham
11 Ryan Mallinder
Subs (all used)
9 Harry Carter
21 Jack Pickles
15 Josh Tonks
34 Jack Blagborough
Tries: Morrison (9), Howde (11,25), Mallinder (21), Pickles (40), Minikin (48), Tonks (51), Cunningham (59)
Goals: Dent 4/8
LONDON SKOLARS
1 James Anthony
5 Jimmy Morgan
3 Matt Cook
4 Joe Price
2 Chris Bishay
6 Jermaine Coleman
7 Marcus Elliott
8 Michael Sykes
9 Mike Bishay
10 Lewis Reed
11 Harvey Burnett
12 Kazeem Faturoti
13 Lamont Bryan
Subs (all used)
14 Anthony Cox
15 Billy Diver
16 Louis Robinson
17 Aaron Small
Tries: Anthony (31), Price (66)
Goals: Elliott 1/2
SCORING SEQUENCE: 4-0, 10-0, 16-0, 20-0, 206, 26-6, 30-6, 36-6, 40-6, 40-10
Penalty count: 10-4
Half-time: 26-6
Referee: Sam Ansell
Attendance: 401
