Lee leads the way as Knights stay on top

YORK City Knights stayed top of Championship One after five tries in 14 second-half minutes set up a 46-22 win at Hemel Stags.

Captain Jack Lee led the way with a try in each half to take his tally to 14 in the last 11 games, and go top of the club’s try-scoring charts above winger Ben Dent, who, like several forwards, was ruled out.

Ryan Backhouse had earlier opened the scoring, from Pat Smith’s well-timed pass, though the lead was short-lived as Hunslet loanee Matt Cook struck back following a penalty conceded by the otherwise impressive Joe Pickets. Lee’s solo try made it 12-6 at half-time.

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Pat Smith increased the lead as his own grubber rebounded straight to him but a penalty for a ball steal in a one-on-one tackle by James Haynes set the position for Ryan Chester’s try at the other end, BJ Swindells adding his second goal.

However, when Ryan Mallinder struck for York, the Stags began to make errors as they chased the game.

The visitors needed no second invitation as James Morland, Ed Smith, fit-again Greg Minikin and Lee scored in quick succession,

Ben Reynolds ending with seven conversions, and hitting a post with the other attempt.

The game was now won, despite a fine team try by Hemel’s Eddie Mbaraga, Cook goaling, and a last-minute effort by winger James Hill.