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Maybe Next Year?! York City Knights 2019 Season Review

Worthy of a knighthood maybe as York City Knights produced a fantastic return to the Betfred Championship by easing to a Play-off spot on their return.

Despite being red hot in League 1 for the previous four seasons, York were quick to dismiss critics that they would be far from cannon fodder but genuine contenders for promotion to the Super League.

Though that was not to be, a strong season will have laid down the foundations for them to build on their desire to achieve a Super League status in the foreseeable future.

They well and truly left their mark, producing some eye-catching rugby league for their supporters as we look at one of their greatest ever seasons in the summer era.

 

Best Result: Leigh Centurions 23-24 York City Knights

It could not have been closer but edging play-off rivals Leigh Centurions away was the real eye opener!

Leigh led initially thanks to tries Kevin Brown, Liam Hood and Ryan Brierley were in response to Will Oakes earlier effort.

However, the Knights responded with three tries through Marsh, Oakes’ second and Liam Harris to send them into the lead.

Though Liam Forsyth scored late on but Brierley’s last gasp conversion attempt went wide, meaning York held on for a famous victory!

It was also a win that effectively cemented their status in the play-offs, taking them into a position too unassailable for Leigh to contend with.

 

Worst Result: Featherstone Rovers 42-10 York City Knights

They did sustain some drubbings along the way, a notable being their day out at the Summer Bash against Featherstone Rovers.

What was eagerly anticipated as a close game between two tough teams became a case of ‘men vs boys’ down near the beach.

After a blank first 20 minutes, Featherstone all of a sudden opened up a 42-0 lead with eight tries either side of half-time.

Dane Chisholm starred with one of the touchdowns and slotting over five goals, with Conor Carey grabbing a brace.

Further efforts came from Luke Briscoe, Brad Day, Alex Sutcliffe, Josh Hardcastle and Tom Holmes.

Arriving from Yorkshire rivals Halifax back in 2017 was Hull-born Connor Robinson, who enjoyed a terrific season back in the Championship with the Knights.

Having helped guide them back into the second division, Robinson was their go-to man during the season and he did not disappoint!

Robinson grabbed a handful of tries and provided plenty of assists throughout 2019, also slotting home over 80 goals.

He has always possessed a good degree of skill and his spell here has really seen him flourish at his best.

Plenty more from him no doubt going forward as a bright future looks all set for him and the club.

 

Predicted 7th – Finished 3rd

Many were tipping them to contest a play-off spot given their already good squad improved by their recruitment during the off-season.

But to finish as high as they did, defeating some certain opposition who fancied themselves better than them was nothing short of superb!

They certainly defied expectation though lived up to their own as there has been constant chatter of a desire to challenge the best in the division for a place in the Betfred Super League.

A very strong season will have helped with such a wish as it should now help make York an attractive club to come and play for

Are they a Super League in the making?! A rather common question by some and given time, it could come into fruition.

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