Grix's try pulls Halifax back from the brink

Three tries in the last 10 minutes saved Halifax from a second relegation in successive seasons as they scraped a 34-30 victory over York in the National League One Qualifying Final.

In the Super League little more than a year ago, Halifax trailed 30-16 with nine minutes to play. But then a debatable referee's decision to award Alan Hadcroft a try changed the course of the match.

With six minutes left James Bunyan also got over for his second and Scott Grix grabbed a dramatic winner. "It would have been devastating for the town, the club and everyone involved,'' said the Halifax manager, Paul Dixon.

Two quick tries from Austin Buchanan had put York on level terms at half-time after Halifax took the early initiative. Mark Cain and Chris Langley then put Richard Agar's side in charge but Halifax were still plotting a great escape.

Earlier, Coventry Bears beat Warrington Woolston 48-24 in the National League Three Grand Final.