York City Knights Prove There Is Life Outside Super League As They Give Catalans Dragons A Challenge Cup Scare

It was an occasion to remember at Bootham Crescent on Sunday afternoon, if not quite the fairytale that many had arrived hoping to see.

York City Knights of League One versus Catalans Dragons of the Super League had all the makings of a Challenge Cup classic.

In the end, there was no upset as Steve McNamara’s men prevailed 34-22 to ensure a safe passage into Wednesday’s sixth-round draw.

York had a right go, though, and there was no shortage of romance in the air.

James Ford’s part-time outfit is made up of a painter and decorator (more on him later), an estate agent, a teacher and a council worker.

Catalans spend up to the £1.8million salary cap on player wages and fielded stars such as David Mead, Greg Bird and Lucas Albert.

Yet for much of the game it was impossible to distinguish between the sides.

McNamara’s team has been a shambles for the majority of this season and they lie rock-bottom of Super League. Another grim fight with relegation beckons.

But this was York’s big day and, after years of recent turmoil, they have been on the up since a consortium led by Jon Flatman took control at the end of 2016.

Ambition pulses around the club and ambition is both visible and audible in Flatman, Ford and his players, and a fanbase who are starting to believe in their club again.

Ford has emerged as one of the brightest young coaches outside of Super League and has assembled a fine team with a potent mix of youth and experience.

Full-back Kieren Moss made his name in the NRL, Ben Cockayne has spent most of his career in Super League and the likes of Tim Spears and Andy Ellis are seasoned campaigners.

Shortly before kick-off, Flatman handed out flags to supporters to wave and the atmosphere was at fever pitch.

After Catalans scored twice through Fouad Yaha and Jason Baitieri, York hit back to level with tries from forward Joe Porter, who works as a painter and decorator and was plying his trade at York Acorn only 18 months ago.

Mickael Simon edged Catalans back in front before half-time and second-half scores from Albert, Jodie Broughton and Bird saw Catalans home.

But York touched down twice in the second half through Moss and Joe Batchelor and did themselves, their club and indeed League One proud.

Ford said: “You wouldn’t have thought there was £1.7m between the sides today in terms of player wages.

“Unfortunately we weren’t quite good enough to win, but I’m very proud and this shows the club is making real progress.

“Obviously I’ve been here in slightly different times and the club are proactive off the field with their social media.

“I’m led to believe they have done a lot of work in the city centre and the buzz around the city is pleasing to see.

“People want to see a team who are committed and my lads certainly are.”

There are plans for a new 8,000 community stadium that will host the Knights and York City FC in a city that is the second most visited for tourists in the UK after London.

Ford added: “There are some good clubs and players in League One.

“Bradford Bulls are potentially an enormous club again and I like to think that York has potential as well as teams like Doncaster.

“There are some good coaches in League One also and this is the best the division and the Championship has ever been. Outside the Super League, the game is thriving.”

Clearly.