Reynolds named Championship One Player of the Week

York City Knights halfback Ben Reynolds has been named as the Kingstone Press Championship One Player of the Week.

This follows an impressive display in his team’s 54-12 victory over Oldham, where he scored a try and kicked nine goals from nine attempts.

“Ben was outstanding. He was pushed hard by a couple of other players, including his half-back partner Pat Smith – the two of them are forming a great partnership,” said York coach Gary Thornton.

“Ben’s got natural skill, whether he’s at full-back or in the halves. He’s played the last five games in the halves and has done very, very well.

“We had a dominant pack against Oldham, and Ben took full advantage of that. Both him and Pat Smith are very creative.”

York also received the award for Performance of the Week, after their victory over Oldham helped them to tighten their grip on the top spot in the table.

“It was an excellent team performance. We worked really hard all week on a game-plan, and the players delivered it,” Thornton added.

“Oldham have got a huge pack who try to win that middle area. I challenged my forwards to not be beaten, and that’s what they did. We set off with some terrific energy and enthusiasm, which always helps, and then the confidence and dominance grew.

“We’ve got a terrific bunch of players at York this year, and I’m delighted they’re getting some success – but we’ve done nothing at the moment.

“We’re top of the league, but there’s a long way to go and it could drastically change if we’re not on our game every week.”

Kingstone Press Championship One Team of the Week

1 James Cameron (Hemel Stags)
2 James Hill (Hemel Stags)
3 James Ford (York City Knights)
4 Sam Te’o (Gloucestershire All Golds)
5 Jimmy Morgan (Hemel Stags)
6 Pat Smith (York City Knights)
7 Ben Reynolds (York City Knights)
8 Jack Aldous (York City Knights)
9 Paul Stamp (Gateshead Thunder)
10 Miles Fairbank (Gloucestershire All Golds)
11 Rhys Clarke (Gateshead Thunder)
12 Phil Carleton (South Wales Scorpions)
13 Colton Roche (York City Knights)