The University of York Rugby Union Football Club

The match against Wales U20s was revised into a match of Three Thirds. Each Third being 25 minutes long. This was due to the techincally “rest” day being a climb up a big mountain!

The first third began with intensity where the Welsh showed up UYRUFC’s lack of matches for the season by a run in try within the first 10 minutes. The welsh kicker slotted over to add the two points. 0 – 7

Not letting our heads down the UYRUFC fought back with a brilliant delayed pass by Mike “JW” Callis, for a powerful run by Ali Handy which set up a try to bring the UYRUFC back into the game with the home team. 7-7

After much of the pressure being in the Welsh half they gained territory and then worked a good try in the corner from a well practiced lineout. 7-14

The UYRUFC once again fought back bringing together the moves from the training ground. The pressure on the opposition got to the welsh and their backrow tried a feeble attempt at a shoulder barge on the tallest of the backline Michael “Gentleman on Mountain” James. This led to the home team being 1 man down for 10 minutes and Rob Grant slotting over a penalty. 10-14

The second third was a hard fought battle between the two sides with the main pressure being put on the welsh team. Much of the half was in the Welsh 22 however the discipline of the Welsh team was good and the UYRUFC was unable to gain any points from the attacking play. The team was linking well in Midfield and the forwards began matching the welsh within the rucks. 10-14

The final third was an overall equal battle between the two sides. The UYRUFC kept showing brilliant in the team with a great pass from Rob Grant to Ed Derwett, who created a excellent chance for a break away try (with ED showing solid pace backed up by Rich Bremer), however this dream was scattered when the Referee considering it to be a forward pass. Many were disappointed, while some very, very, VERY angry.

With pressure being put on the UYRUFC, the defence stood strong. After the numerous attempts to get past, the welsh team were only able to come away with 3 points. 10-17

The last third ended with their number 8 picking the ball and trying to run sideways until with our speedy prop, Ben Innes, was about to tackle him and knock the ball out of his hands. The number proceeded to say “Boys, I think I’ve done something… I’ve think I’ve broken my shin”…”ARRHHHHHHHH!!!”(If you would like an example of this shout of terror Mike Callis was practicing this for the entire training camp.)

Having heard this Mr Woody decided that this was a great opportunity to attack popping the ball off and with the UYRUFC just about to score the try to draw the match, the ref blew his whistle. After angry protests from the captain over the fact that the UYRUFC were just about to score the Ambulance was called.

Although the UYRUFC did not win the match, the main objective of the match was reached. The boys were able to training hard together, put the moves from the training ground on the pitch, and finally bond together has put this squad in a great position for the follow up to the new Season.

Although there is plenty to work on, the UYRUFC are still preparing well for the new Campaign!