The University of York Rugby Union Football Club

Newcastle 4th vs York 2nd

November 5th, 2009 by Reporter_2nd

University of Newcastle 4th XV 14 – 43 University of York 2nd XV

Still reeling from the heavy defeat of the previous week, an apprehensive Will Tate and his equally anxious team boarded the coach for Newcastle, the league leaders, hoping to return to winning ways. Traffic had delayed arrival and a less than satisfactory warm up did little to relieve the unease amongst the squad.
From the kick off however, it seemed such anxiety was misplaced. York immediately took control of the game.

Phil Johnston and James Garmston combined seamlessly in the lineout, providing clean ball for the backs. Adam Wood, recovered from the horror pass that gave Morty flashbacks to the Dudley era, whipped the ball to James Mortimer and a well executed set play saw Freshman Gabriel Adejeti over in the corner for the first score. Further success was to follow for the intrepid travellers. Revelling in the space afforded them by James Mortimer’s intelligent distribution and the rumbustuous Matt Cannon’s direct running, and with Chris Reid-Milligan and Will Tate’s clever support play fixing defenders in the centre there was ample time and space for the back three to stretch their legs. Ollie Tilney sprinted the length of the pitch to double York’s advantage, before Rishi Bojangles crashed over from close range for a further score. Wing Pete Teragger, on sabbatical from the first team, was also causing problems and could have had a first half hat-trick if it wasn’t for superb Newcastle defence.
The second half was no different. Immediately Guy Holder-Williams, on for the classy Sam Morrison, embarked on a memorable run. The ‘Guscott hip swerve’, for which Holder-Williams has become famous, was on full show as he went past defender after defender. Unfortunately he was stopped metres before the line, thus depriving him of stunning comeback score.

Ben James Parrett on the other hand crowned his comeback from the wilderness of college rugby with a well taken try in the corner. Gabriel Adejeti finished another try, and Pete Teragger got the try his performance deserved with a fine take off an inch perfect cross field from the ever classy James Mortimer.

Captain Will Tate remarked after the game that he had asked for the team to be more ruthless in attack, and was pleased the outside backs provided the clinical edge the team had lacked the week before.