York City Knights 32 Toulouse 46: French forwards go on rampage leaving York stunned by comeback

The French side had opened positively with Sylvian Houles crossing the line in only the fourth minute but York hit back with five tries as they exposed Toulouse’s defensive frailties out wide.

Ryan Esders opened the Knights’ scoring after a flowing move as he linked with winger Dennis Tuffour to cross.

Esders was again involved in a run-around for Jack Lee to score and winger Dave Sutton put the Knights in control as he dived in to touch down.

Forwards Nathan Freer and Matt Garside added further tries for the Knights but Eric Anselme’s try four minutes from the break reduced the deficit to 12 points.

York followers could hardly believe their eyes in the second 40 minutes as the Toulouse forwards produced a rampant display against weak and ineffective tackling from the Knights.

Bruno Ormeno touched down from full-back Rory Bromley’s pass within the first minute of the restart and substitute Craig Cook provided the opportunity for Patelise Pelo to walk in for a try before the former Sheffield player burrowed over from close range to give Toulouse the lead.

James Haynes briefly levelled the scores but further tries from Ormeno, Timothy Wynn and a second touchdown for winger White created an unassailable lead.

Matt Garside’s second try in stoppage time provided the Knights with hope of a bonus point but Esders’s conversion attempt flew across the face of the posts.

York City Knights: Bush, Sutton, Ford, Esders, Tuffour, Thackeray, Presley, Freer, Lee, Benson, Straugheir, Garside, Clarke. Substitutes: E Smith, Haynes, Jones, Aldous.

Toulouse: Bromley, White, Tisserye, Ormeno, Mercier, Nicholls, Gigot, Wynn, Gigord, Gout, Moliner, Maria, Houles. Substitutes: Larroyer, Pelo, Anselme. Cook.

Referee: R Laughton (Barnsley).