Try-hungry Knights slay the Stags in 60-point romp

The visitors were clinical from the outset and ran in 11 tries, including a Kris Brining hat-trick. Stags battled away and grabbed a consolation through Ben Stead, but this was a day when little went right for the hosts.

They went behind on five minutes when Ed Smith got a try in the corner, before York full-back Richard Wilkinson forced his way over, and Brining put the game beyond the hosts with two solo efforts.

Nicklas kicked the visitors into a 22-0 lead, while Jordan Crowther came off the bench for a fifth try of the game, then Adam Dent went over in the corner on the half hour.

Hemel had rarely been in the contest, but only resolute defence denied Alex Gibley a try, while winger Reece Rance just failed to finish off a flowing attack in the corner.

York, though, were dominating proceedings and Tyler Craig touched down near the posts. Nicklas added the extras for a 38-0 half-time lead.

Hemel came out on the resumption with intent but York crossed through Josh Tonks and Pat Smith. Nicklas landed both kicks at goal.

Hemel battled on and Stead touched down after a powerful run,then converted his own try on 65 minutes.

York completed the scoring with further tries by Wilkinson and Brining, while Hemel forced successive sets late on but were unable to breach a determined York outfit.