OXFORD Rugby League began their Kingstone Press League 1 home campaign with a 44-20 defeat at the hands of York City Knights.

In a performance from which they can take a lot of heart, the Blues were only ten points behind with 16 minutes remaining at Iffley Road.

However, a brawl which saw York’s Jack Aldous sent off for a punch at Oxford’s Nathan Kitson, disrupted the Blues’ structure.

The visitors capitalised and scored three tries.

York took the lead in the second minute when Pat Smith set up Josh Tonks, but James Haynes missed the extras.

They extended their lead when Tyler Craig crossed for an unconverted try.

On 21 minutes, Oxford got on the scoreboard when Bradford loanee Nathan Conroy burrowed his way over from close range.

Danny Allan kicked the extras.

Momentum swung back and forth as York opened up a six-point lead, with Haynes going over for an unconverted score.

Oxford responded when Andrew Hoggins dived over.

Allan made it 12-12 from the boot.

Back came the visitors two minutes later as Liam Cunningham wriggled over. Haynes converted.

However, the Blues had the final say at the end of the half when Hoggins grabbed his second.

Allan missed with the boot.

York came out of the blocks the quickest as Jack Iley crossed, with Haynes adding the extras.

Greg Minikin touched down, Haynes converted, for 30-16.

Oxford didn’t let the quick fire tries effect them and Jonny Payne reached over to score.

The game changed on Aldous’ red card for his part in a brawl, while Oxford’s Adam Brook and York’s Haynes saw yellow.

Kitson had to leave the field due to heavy bleeding.

York capitalised on Oxford’s lack of structure with Nev Morrison, Jonny Prestley and Tyler Craig going over. Smith converted one of the scores.