York Rowntrees 2nd XV 29

Whitby fielded a strong side for its first game of the season and new captain Alan Knaggs had 19 players at his disposal.

Whitby started well with the pack scrummaging strongly with the powerhouses of Kev Purvis and new boy Neil Brierley really getting some powerful pushes on.

Number 10 Henry Pullin, back from Australia, was first on the scoresheet with a fine try quickly followed by Stu Knaggs.

With Whitby going well some sloppy passing in the backs let York punish them with two tries in reply.

The forwards then took a stranglehold on the game with some great line-out jumping from Darrin Wright and powerful runs from Dusty Hare and Grady resulting in both of them scoring tries.

Stu Knaggs had to leave the field due to a knee injury and this unsettled the Whitby backs and some poor tackling let York back into the game.

The second half saw Whitby bring on a few new players and build a lead with Neil Purves and Martin Dyer scoring two great tries converted by Pullin.

This was a good win for Whitby with young winger M Craig having a great game.

The Harlequins’ next fixture is tomorrow away at Bridlington.