Video match report: York City Knights suffer last-kick heartbreak in extraordinary season opener

York City Knights20 Tries: Moss (3) Batchelor (51, 65) Conversions: Robinson (3, 53) Field goals: Robinson (70, 79) Penalties: Robinson (30)

Bradford Bulls22 Tries: Gibson (18) Minchella (37) Crossley (48) Conversions: Keyes (18, 48) Penalties: Keyes (56, 80)

York City Knights were edged out in an extraordinary season opener at Bootham Crescent as Bradford Bulls won the tie with the last kick of the game.

A record crowd of 4,218 created a terrific atmosphere for the 2018 Betfred League 1 curtain raiser.

They were thoroughly entertained by two teams giving their all. And for a time it looked as thought it would be the Knights’ day.

[arve url=”https://youtu.be/tCt8cY9VLLQ” title=”York City Knights vs Bradford Bulls” /]

After half an hour they were 8-4 up, before a moment of quality saw the Bulls’ Joe Keyes and Elliot Minchella link up for a try. At half time the Knights were trailing 8-10.

The home side pulled it back to 20-20 with seconds remaining, with Joe Batchelor scoring twice.

‘Fantastic advert’

Then – heartbreak. The Bulls were awarded a penalty just as the full-time siren sounded. And with the last kick of the game Joe Keyes slotted home, sealing a 20-22 win.

As Knights’ coach James Ford told us after the match: “It was a fantastic advert for rugby league.

“We’re gutted we’ve not come out with the two points. We weren’t far away.

“But if that’s the standard of League 1 this year the supporters are in for a treat.”