York bite back

RUGBY League disciplinary chiefs are continuing to investigate Lewis Palfrey's allegation that he was bitten in Oldham's play-off win at York.

The RFL has been given what Oldham say is photographic evidence of a bite mark. Roughyeds have also assured RFL chiefs Palfrey will make a statement if needed.

The allegation by Palfrey against York captain Jack Lee, a strong contender for Championship One player of the year, was put on report by referee George Stokes.

The York Evening Press says Lee has strenuously denied any malpractice: "I was using a gum shield, and that made it impossible to bite. I don't know if this is a tactic to stop me playing in the next round."

The Press reported that York had made a counter accusation that Oldham had merely wanted to unsettle their captain and top try scorer.

Coach Gary Thornton was reported to have said: "Jack is annoyed he's been put in the frame for something like this. I spoke to the RFL rather than wait for them to come to us. There's nothing on the DVD to suggest biting. Jack plays tough, but fair.”

If York beat Hunslet at Huntington Stadium on Sunday they will go head to head with Oldham again in the Grand Final at Headingley on October 5.

York and their fans were less than happy with what the local paper described as referee Stokes's "controversial" handling of the Oldham game.

They felt two of Oldham's five tries should have been disallowed for offside and they couldn't understand why a Lee effort close to the line was ruled out when it was deemed good by the York in-goal judge.



OLDHAM chairman Chris Hamilton will be a studio guest on Radio Manchester from about 7pm this evening during Jack Dearden's Rugby League show.