The University of York Rugby Union Football Club

Liverpool 1st vs York 1st

October 15th, 2009 by Reporter_1st

University of Liverpool 1st 7 – University of York 1st 13

On Wednesday 14^th of October the University of York rugby first team began the epic transition into the formidable 1A League, against Liverpool 1^st. Having known that Liverpool had been defeated the week before spirits were high as we took the long bus journey.

Upon arrival Kit king Richard Bremner already had one victory over the opposition, not one of the enemy possessed a matching pair of socks with a team mate. Stashed up and fired up Yorkies took to the field, after an inspiring team talk from Alexander Redshaw the battle cry came out and the silent squeeze commenced.

Early transitions between the sides were closely fought neither giving anything early on, after settling down after the initial adrenaline rush York saw gaps behind the Liverpool defence, this was exploited well in stages by both Robert Grant and Richard Bremner, nearly leading to tries in both corners. Seeing the play going our way the pressure began to build up on Liverpool’s 22 meter line this led to a penalty in front of the posts well put away by Grant.

Not intent on resting on the early lead York continued to press and good work by the forwards who continued to put pressure on the opposition scrum resulting in a push over try from former captain Mike Callis. Despite brief breaks from the opposition number 8 resulting in a concussion for Will Forsythe, York’s defence was solid with nothing coming through the centre partnership of Michael James and Gruffudd Jones.

The second half starting again with tight play from both sides both teams defence were holding strong, breaks were made by Thomas Bugge and Jones but came to nothing until another penalty was put away by Grant taking the score to 13-0. York had victory in their sights for the first time in 1A but a barrage from the Liverpool team followed.

As the game went into its late stages breaks were made round the outside and with five minutes to go the ball seemingly held up over the York line was given as a try by the referee, with the conversion made tension grew in the York side and Liverpool were able to approach the York line, with the last play of the game Pete Nathan managed to get his large physique under the ball to hold up another possible Liverpool try and give York the game in the dying seconds. What a start to what is sure to be an epic season. Final score 13-7.