University of York 1st XV 23 vs 8 University of Hull 1st XV

UYRUFC opened their season with a solid performance against a strong Hull outfit. The 1st XV notched a deserved away victory at Brantingham Park, the final score standing at 8 – 23 in York’s favour. Lining up against a substantial Hull squad, it was clear that the game would be a physical affair. Hull opened the scoring in the first 10 minutes with a penalty to take the lead at 3-0. York swiftly responded with a well worked try by outside centre Will Sharp, breaking through the defensive line to get York on the scoreboard, Will Peters was able to convert, the score remaining 3-7.

York continued to apply pressure, dominating possession and territory, resulting in their second try which was carried over by open side flanker Sam Morrison who was rewarded with his first BUCS try, increasing York’s advantage to 9 points, at 3-12. He then proceeded to put 3 more points on the board with a penalty, making the score 3-15 after the break. York’s dominance continued into the second half, with the large Hull squad beginning to tire and the difference in the respective squads’ fitness levels quickly becoming more apparent. Against the run of play Hull exploited a gap on the outside with their winger scoring a try which they failed to convert, making the score 8-15. Scrum Half Will Ward managed to capitalise on the pressure being applied by York and increased their lead once again, his try remained unconverted however, making it 8-20 in York’s favour. Fly Half Will Peters made the score 8-23 with a well-executed drop-goal which proved to be the last score of the match.

Overall York can be proud of the result and a solid start to the season against a big Hull squad, there was undoubtedly room for improvement but it was a performance which showed great promise for the rest of the season.

Team:
1. R. Naidoo
2. G. Morris
3. G. Wissen
4. S. lord
5. J. Abbott
6. A. Gaskell
7. S. Morrison
8. J. Faktor (c)
9. W. Ward
10. W. Peters
11. G. Adebiyi
12. M.Pollen
13. W. Sharp
14. B. Turner
15. R. Bremner
16. F. Kirkley
17. J. Arnold
18. H. Draycott
19. M. Darroch
20. T. Chadwick
21. A. Rolph
Try: Sharpy, Morrison, Ward
Pen: Peters
Cons: Peters
Drop Goal: Peters

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The second and last of York’s warm up games before Roses saw them travel south to take on Bradford Salem. A warm day promised perfect conditions for running rugby, which would certainly play to York’s strengths against a predominantly older and slower Bradford Salem side. The late arrival of a, special guest, complete with wifebeater, bolstered the York pack and allowed Rupert Grant to start on the bench, so not risk his calf injury. The absence of a referee meant that one of the Bradford Salem players had to take his place, not ideal but York were ready to deal with the adversity.

The game started with Bradford kicking to York. Tom Weir pounced on a dropped ball and a strong backline move advanced York 40m up the pitch, despite a late hit on William Felgate, laying down their intentions for the rest of the match. York continually looked to run the ball and play positive rugby and after about ten minutes this resulted in Sam Morrison streaking down the wing to score under the posts, Robert Grant duly added the conversion. The rugby was all with York and only a lack of accuracy with some of their passing meant they didn’t add more points straight after. However they did not have to wait too long as good pressure from the York forwards resulted in Ash Alexander burying his way over, again Grant with the conversion. Great work at the breakdown by Alistair Handy and Alex Redshaw saw York gaining the majority of the possession giving the likes of Michael James and Felgate a platform to perform. A sliced clearance by Bradford and a wayward lineout throw meant Morrison collected the ball to power over for his second score under the posts, Grant added the extras.

York continued to test the Bradford defence making a number of breaks, a flowing move involving T. Bugge and M. James saw Rich Bremner put through into space (whilst performing his trademark move) which he then exploited to run away untouched to score York’s fourth try, Grant once again scored the conversion. A fine first half performance from York was finished off by Michael James as he broke through the Bradford defence with a well chosen back-line move to score just before the break. However the try was largely overshadowed by the punch suffered by Robert Grant as he jogged over to take his place kick, leaving M. James to put the 2 points up on the board. York refused to lower themselves to the level of their opposition and headed into the interval with their discipline intact.

Half time changes saw Rory Mcgregor on for Ash Alexander, Ollie Tilney on for William Felgate, Alistair Handy off for Rupert Grant and Ed Drewett on for Rob Grant. York started the second half as they had left the off from the first, dominating Bradford at the scrum and breakdown with only a lack of penetration hindered them from immediately adding to their tally. A flowing move involving ‘the Special Guest’, Ollie Tilney and Weir resulted in Rupert having a five metre run into the line, Tim Walker, taking over from Grant, then kicked the conversion. A tired Bradford Salem side were now visibly suffering in the set piece particularly at the scrum where the appearance of Rupert coupled with Stone and Chris Milligan was causing Bradford all sorts of trouble. Morrison had to give way to Ash Alexander after suffering a shoulder injury, before some great work by the York backs gave Gabriel Adebiyi the opportunity to turn on the speed and head straight under the posts, Walker again adding the extra two points.

The match threatened to boil over at several points but the York discipline held fast and they did not allow themselves to succumb to the Bradford way of playing. After a failed kick for touch by the Salem kicker, the ball found its way to the hands of Bugge, who used his speed, pace and maybe his height to find the many gaps between the Bradford side to go over under the posts, he then drop goaled the conversion to make the score 56-0. The final points were added when good strength by M. James and G. Adebiyi in defense, enabled G. Adebiyi to rip the ball off the opposition flanker and find himself in enough space to run unopposed from 30m out, he also added the conversion.

After a failed attempt at the posts by the Salem fly-half, the match was ended ten minutes from time. York had proven themselves against a much weaker opposition, showing their discipline, cutting edge and class. It means they head into their Roses game on Sunday with a 100% record in the warm up games. Bring on Lancaster.

UYRUFC 1st XV 63 – 0 Bradford Salem 2s


Team vs Bradford Salem

1. James Stone
2. Chris Reid Milligan
3. Special Guest
4. Alexander Redshaw (cpt)
5. Alistar Handy
6. Ash Alexander
7. Sam Morrison
8. Tom Weir
9. Tim Walker
10. Robert Grant
11. Gab Adebiyi
12. William Felgate
13. Michael James
14. Richard Bremner
15. Thomas Bugge

16. Rupert Grant
17. Rory McGregor
18. Ed Drewett
19. Oliver Tilney

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The team were fired up and for many of the 1st XV this could be the last game of their York careers on home turf so all were ready to go in hopes of an upset. As the game began hits came in from both sides, Birmingham dominated early play and broke through a couple of tackles early, however York defence was strong and Birmingham were put back in their half unrewarded for their efforts.

York more than matched Birmingham in the scrums and were even breaking through their back line with breaks from Michael James and Tom Bugge however ill-discipline was costing York badly, and with a line-out on their five metre line York were under pressure. It was only a last ditch tackle by Mike Callis that saved York from conceding early points. Despite York’s resilience Birmingham did profit from another York penalty only getting three points on this occasion.

York fought back hard and with the forwards working tirelessly in defense it seemed like York were open to more scores, however some more exquisite scrambling defence from backs and forwards York felt like they could match this Birmingham side and started to put some phases together. Unfortunately, York’s defence and attack came at a price a double hit on the Birmingham centre from Rob Grant and Will Felgate saw Grant leave the field blooded and sore. (currently recovering after several nights in hospital, minor surgery on the two breaks in his jaw, metal plates and screws in place, still looks great though) and then injury prone Mike Callis once again charging through the centre with his head, having to be substituted after another lack of consciousness on the pitch.

Despite the blow of losing two key players changes were made to the York side. Play resumed with Tim Walker slotting three points and drawing things level, York had a new spring in their step.

The start of the second half saw the barrage of hits and crashes continuing from both sides. Some solid work from the York scrum was starting to really turn the screws on their opposition however line-out ball was scarce it appeared the two titans were locked in epic battle one an unmovable object and the other an unstoppable force either side willing to do anything for that half a yard that could change the game in their favour.

With great work from the York back-line an opening appeared Ryan Johnson on as a substitute beat his man on the outside down the right wing and he had support, Michael James on his inside moving up past the half way, drawing two defenders, a secure offload and York were through Felgate came steaming up the inside only for a Birmingham full back to get the slightest of touch leaving the ball agonisingly short of his grasp, this was a chance gone begging for York.

Birmingham fought back and were making ground the legs of the York defence were growing weary after making tackle after tackle, and it was at this time when the one crack in the York  defence appeared, a quick passage of play saw Birminghma move the ball from left to right and then back quickly, with the York defence not being able to scramble back across in time a soft try was conceeded, York heads dropped with only a short amount of time left to play had they thrown it all away, however with the conversion missed their was still hope for York another memorable comeback was on the cards.

York pushed and pushed and from the kick off found themselves deep in Birmingham territory and huge scrum five metres out, and it was here where so many times this season York would drive over. The surge came the ground churned before them the line came closer and closer still Tom Weir had the line in his sight….that is until the opposition seven decides that the ball is now in-play and smothers the ball. The referee is no where to be seen and Birmingham sigh with relief as they play the ball away.

A missed penalty was the closest York came to rescuing their trophy dreams after this, Birmingham leave surely content to have beaten a strong York side. final score 8-3. A mention of congratulations and admiration must go to all our departing third and fourth years who have given years of dedication to the club as this will be their last home game of their UYRUFC careers they have taken York to new heights of rugby and we all give a thanks for that, and best wishes in their future careers.

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It had been several months since the last clash between York and Liverpool but on this battlefield it would be decided whose season had progressed more and who wanted to threaten Sheffield Hallam at the top of 1a. After a jittery warm up York were pleased to see their hallowed turf have an impact on the game already injuring the opposition fly half before proceedings commenced.

However, in the bitter conditions and playing into a breeze York were put under pressure early on with Liverpool playing the territorial game pushing York back deep into their own half, assisted by Ali Handy still miles away from being in his usual psychotic state allowing the starting kick to bounce nicely into touch. Not to be restricted on home turf York came to life with breaks from Tom Bugge and Will Felgate early on and were able to bring pressure back on the Liverpool line.

For the first time in months the forwards were being matched in the scrums and the pressure was beginning to show however the backs were confident with holes appearing in the Liverpool defense. Despite putting pressure on the Liverpool line the ball is lost and York are once again put on the back foot. The opposition 8 picks and go’s and despite having two back row on his back makes ground. And after a flurry of penalties York find themselves being pressured on their own line more rare indiscipline from York sees Liverpool take the lead with an early penalty. 3-0

However, good backs play sees York break back Pete Spanker makes good ground and is well supported by Griff Jones and Michael James. The pack start to turn the screws on the Liverpool pack, despite missing the one and only James Stone York manage to get a penalty with great work from Tom Weir. Rob Grant slots the conversion calmly and at half time it is all square on 3-3.

York are fired up after a direct and straightforward team talk from captain Alex Redshaw and with the conviction and drive York have shown all season charge the Liverpool line. York crash MJ up the center and work the forwards off the ruck Mike Callis storms through a gap and looks to offload, the forwards follow him in and work a tight pick and go only to see massive holes left by the devastation, MJ collects and runs through for a well worked seemingly simple York try. Grant knocks over conversion and it seems like York had found their mojo.

York however bring pressure back on themselves, some silly penalties mixed in with some interesting refereeing decisions see york pinned back in their 22 once more Liverpool try and put some phases together but great defence from MJ and FT see the visitors being pushed back in ever contact area. Despite York looking the more dominant Liverpool get a good lineout drive and work the ball wide York are under pressure and despite some tight defense in the middle a driven maul leads to an easy score for Liverpool 10-10.

Calling upon all the drive and determination it took to walk up Snowdon in their pre-season tour York marched back and after a great restart from Grant York were back on top and pressuring the Liverpool defense, the back worked it wode and set up good ball fro the forwards to work with and once again after a Mike Callis break York had space wide. After some slick hands from Jones and Spanker a rare site of Rory McGregor on the wing was followed by an even rarer sight of him swan diving over the line. York had come back tremendously 15-10.

And despite a late attempt to stamp FT out of the game York held on to seal victory once more the invisibles of 2008/9 are making a charge on premier B watch this space!

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When the team bus passed a sign 1hour before kick-off reading “York 5miles”, a knowing glance passed between the grizzled alumni: we’ve been here before.

When the squad shuffled morosely off the bus onto a pitch wetter than an otter’s pocket, another knowing glance.

When the ever-affable Mr Porter meekly asked if the backs might possibly pull their fingers from their arses, s’il vous plait, the pre-game preparation for York’s annual horror show in the northern steppes seemed complete.

But yet again, the boys in black and gold produced a display of ruthless attacking verve and relentless commitment to leave the squabbling hosts reeling. A final score of 36-3, a turnaround of about 80 points since the dark days of 2006, barely gives credence to the gulf in class between the two sides.

The start was cagey and abrasive, with both sides looking to stamp their authority early. Tiny Dancer’s hopes of regaining his beloved “York’s Prettiest Man” title from its swarthy incumbent The MuJ were dealt a grievous blow when Durham’s number 8 hit him a fortnight late and then returned to sit on his face. But with his bouffant safely rearranged, Booboo lead the first meaningful attack into the Durham 22, an excellent move carving open the hosts and forcing an infringement. The Cambodian stepped up to coolly slot the penalty over – 3-0.

Durham responded quickly, with their powerful, direct running testing York’s defence. Arkan, whose tackling would have made his genocidal namesake proud all day, seemed to have put an end to the hosts’ brief spell of possession with a cataclysmic hit, but when the dust settled the referee appeared to be pointing the wrong way. Durham scored the penalty, but were kind enough not to trouble the scorers again.

With FT’s disconcerting ability to be making more than one tackle at once, they didn’t really have a choice. Time and again he and the pack disrupted Durham ball, and with the backs beginning to click, York were looking ominous. They got their reward with a monstrous pushover try from 8 metres out, FT flopping effeminately over the line. Durham were steamrollered, and I felt my willy move, just a little bit.

Unfortunately, for the rest of the game, scrummaging against the home front-row was like trying to nail blackcurrant jelly to a wall. With York camped on Durham’s 5metre, time and again the scrum was pulled down, and time and again the referee waited until the tighthead’s lip stopped quivering before resetting it. 11-3 at half time, in total control, and with a two man advantage thanks to Durham’s constant infringements, the Invincibles were aggrieved not to have got more for their efforts.

Unfortunately, due to retrospective memory-loss caused by a first Ziggy’s in 6 months, things get a bit hazy from here. I’ll do my best…

The Invincibles smelled blood after the break and Naboo immediately extended their advantage with a penalty. York’s progress towards the whitewash was increasingly inexorable, offensive defence and some dynamic offloading in the tackle making it impossible for the Wombferrets to gain a real foothold. Skipper, and almost unanimous (I thought he was toilet) man-of-the-match, Alex Redshaw’s deft link play in midfield was justly rewarded with two close-range tries to effectively put the match to bed. At 26-3, it was one-way traffic, and Durham didn’t like it. Tempers frayed on both sides, and the red mist even infected The MuJ. Luckily, he remembered where his priorities lay and went to ground before any costly damage was done to the money-maker.

Redshaw was flipping balls out the back of his hand, MuJ was scrapping, Buggé had yet to score a 90metre try whilst impregnating his opposite number’s girlfriend: a day of firsts all round. Next thing you know, a portly circumcise-ee will be doing someone on the outside before passing inside to set up a 50metre try.

But… No… Surely…

Jesu Christi. I very nearly made a crack involving the words “If Anne Frank had a step like that…”, but I didn’t. Because I’m better than that. And because it would take the gloss off a genuinely slick piece of rugby.

Anyway, all that was left was for Ed Drewett to take a break from dismembering hapless Durham attackers and waltz over

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Grey. Dreary. Dismal. Just a small example of a plethora of adjectives available to anyone with a reasonable grasp of the English language to describe today’s opposition and their less than inspiring town. York have already visited the capital of British steel-making once and came away with less than their deserved share of points, and so today, in the rain, York returned to re-establish the natural order of things. As stated, the heavens didn’t provide much motivation for either team, who would have to slip, slide and slither their way through what was to become somewhat of a milestone-match for York, and a bit of a bugger for Sheffield.

Confidence was brewing way before the first whistle blow at 2.00 p.m today with a tremendously successful warm up. The adverse weather conditions and narrow pitch could do nothing to dissuade York that running rugby was still possible, and this was reflected in slick handling and scarcely a dropped ball. By the time the referee had taken his position mid-field, the boys in the bumblebee kit knew they were in for a big one, and they were ready for it. For a brief moment, the clouds parted and sunshine bathed the battlefield in a glorious autumnal glow, and one couldn’t help but feel that Bugge had asked the big man upstairs for a bit of moral support…just to get the boys going.

The first five minutes was a tentative affair with both sides showing signs of nervousness, exacerbated perhaps by the knowledge that it was going to get very muddy out there, very quickly. However, York showed early signs of the excellent midfield defence that stood them in very good stead all day with M.J and Felgate working seamlessly to ensure the Sheffield centres were going nowhere fast. Sheffield seemed well drilled, but excellent work by the back row, (who were fantastic all day), asserted an early dominance around the tackle area that was to prove decisive in today’s victory. Five minutes in and a Sheffield scrum concedes to the prowess of the York front three; quick turnover and some snappy handling saw the ball drift effortlessly along the backline into the hands of Rich Bremner, who had no trouble at all finding the white line. Grant, eyeing up some Sheffield totty on the sideline, missed the conversion.

Somewhat shocked, Sheffield responded to York’s score with some decent patterns of play, but it was short-lived thanks again to the kleptomaniacal tendencies of Messrs Handy, McGregor and Weir. A spate of penalties in York’s favour ended up as a scrum on the opposition 5. A pre-planned shove by the forwards was cruelly interrupted by the devious Tim Sparkleton who burgled the ball from the back row’s feet and dove over the line. Grant secured the conversion and York were back on track in Sheffield.

The second half started promisingly with York kicking well for position. Clever work in the lineout by Redshaw and Forsythe secured good ball in prime attacking territory. Such was the threat that Sheffield conceded a penalty within striking distance of Grant’s boot, and he duly proceeded to put York a further 3 points ahead. However, with York now a full three scores ahead, motivation to really turn the screw on the opposition in increasingly difficult conditions put York on the back foot. Although work-rate was fantastic, and the front three, led by the ever enigmatic Innes began to physically and psychologically cause problems for the opposition scrum, the last 25 was spent somewhat possession-less. York’s kicking at times was aimless, and although the defence ensured no Sheffield players broke through, they had the drive to close out the game and ultimately had the momentum in the last ten minutes. Sheffield scored two tries that, although weren’t gifted, certainly felt that way with the final score at 15-10. However, the ambition and tenacity present on the pitch today marks a milestone in the 09/10 York BUCS squad who, by now, know what they must do in order to be frontrunners for the league title this year. Today, in the rain, York proved that they could play their brand of rugby clinically and in any conditions- a big confidence booster at the half-way stage of the season.

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However, after a poor start from York in which balls were passed forward and knocked on it appeared that Manchester were the more organised of the two sides, despite moves not going to plan for York and tempers fraying the York pack took the game by the horns and started dominating the scrum and contact area. With good work from the backs the Manchester line was broken for the first time and with ever reliable Alistair Handy in support, a simple offload leaves Handy to slide in an elegant try, with cries of  champagne rugby from the sidelines. York needed to settle after the early try and use their possession carefully.  However ill-discipline from York led to a penalty attempt for Manchester, luckily for York the opportunity was missed surely realising their error York would correct, focus and get their heads down, the restart from York is returned from the Manchester backline and some missed tackles lead to Manchester scoring their first try of the game.

Another assault, from York this time, on the Manchester line, with quick ball for Rob Grant he had a chance to make up for his missed conversion, unfortunately the double miss pass is intercepted by the Manchester wing who sprints in an easy score. the score now going to 12-5. York heads in hands once more feel like they have seen this try before and with this only being the second time York had gone behind so far this season a lot was needed to turn the game around.  York needed to react swiftly and they did so through the front three, Ben Innes, James Stone and Rupert Grant had taken things into their own hands and with a five meter scrum coming York’s way there was only one conclusion, however instead of Tom Weir the usual scorer of the tremendous 8-man York drive, Tim Walker crossed the Manchester line. This early score settled the York nerves and with the conversion misses from Rob Grant the score moved to 12-12.

With York back in the game the backs saw their opportunity to get into the game also and when Gruffudd Jones put Michael James into space it looked like York would take the lead, and as he was half tackled and bounced over the line York appeared to have taken the lead, however one of the referees many interesting decisions in the match disallowed the try and awarded a penalty to Manchester. Further good backs play saw Tom Bugge put Rich Bremner into space on the wing with great vision from Bremner a delightful chip was placed deep into the Manchester half after a good chase from York turnover was achieved and another 5 meter scrum was awarded to York. After another great decision from the referee disallowing another York try from Tom Weir on this occasion, York eventually drove over once again with Walker stealing another forwards try. the score 17-12.

After the half time break York knew it was crucial to start well and with another one of many penalties conceded by York, Manchester narrowed the gap to 17-15. After this poor start to the half from York the pack once again bailed the team out of further pressure, Handy and McGregor took to the challenge regularly disrupting Manchester ball also aided by some penetrating running form Will Forsyth and Alex Redshaw.

More pressure this time from the York pack lead to another 5 meter scrum, some of the Manchester substitutes turn away on the sidelines possibly aware of the result of such a scrum, and on the 5th attempt the pack finally push Manchester back over their own line and give Weir his first, and some what deserved, try of the game. there was clear headway now between the two sides and York persisted to press home their advantage, another platform set up by Jones this time is driven on by the forwards. And despite Forsyth making a break round the outside and seemingly missing the opportunity to put Walker in for his third try of the game, he instead leaves it to Rupert Grant to reach a big hand down, collect and power over the line taking York seemingly out of sight.

Not content with sitting back on a clear winning position, York continued to press. With great running from James and Jones in the centers and tidy work from the York back row supporting their backs well, Manchester’s defense was in disarray and spotting a gap Rob Grant sees the opportunity to make up for his several missed conversions, after bursting through the gap Grant assesses his options with Felgate one side and Rupert Grant on the other there was only one conclusion. Rupert scoring his second of the game under the posts, well converted by Rob Grant. Another fantastic win 36-15.

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After a warm up in which things did not run smoothly for York the atmosphere was tense and the team was fearful of another poor start but that was the opposite of what occurred, from the outset York went wide great ball from Rob Grant and the centres saw Tom Bugge and Ed Drewett making round on the outside of the Durham defence. With the crowd getting behind York, and ground being made off of all first phase possession it was not long until York were camped on Durham’s 22, and with the ball being spun wide once more it was Gruffudd Jones that stepped with man and handing off another to put in a neat score in the corner, well converted by Grant York had got the start they needed and continued to dominate, solid forward work again from Alex Redshaw and Mike Callis in the contact area and great scrummaging from York’s forwards gave the backs the clean ball they needed to lead the offensive.

Michael James was leading the charge against Durham and with another scything run in which the oppositions defence was left in tatters, York were able to break once more, with the ball being worked wide once again to Drewett good ground was made, with the resulting scrum on the five metre line York were confident of more points. And with the points scorer of the year last season Tom Weir at the back of the scrum it seemed almost a formality and when he did cross the line it was to the shock of the York players when the referee called the ball held up. Despite this minor setback York were still pressing the Durham line, that was until Jones chose to give Durham a chance, a slightly miss-calculated miss pass resulted in the hands of the Durham winger who despite Bugge’s best efforts to hunt him down from the other side of the pitch Durham had scored their first points of the game. Not put off by this misfortunate York fought back and when Grant chose to attack wide in York’s half once more Bugge burst through into the open space, and after drawing the last Durham defender put Drewett in, it was a footrace to the line and with all the extra fitness and plyometric training the first XV have been indulging in there was only going to be one winner and when he crossed the line York were determined to hold onto the lead. With further points being added before half time with a penalty from Grant the score was 15-7.

After the half time break the great work from the forwards continued, Rich Welsh having another great game in his new position for the firsts, Will Forsyth and Rory McGregor also being defensively integral. More great work from Tim Worzel gave quick ball to the backs and with MJ making more good breaks it was left to Jones to power his way over the line once more. After taking their lead to 20-7 York were confident of going on to seal off the game and with further pressure on the Durham line it seemed only a matter of time before another try came, however when quick turnover ball came for Durham in their 22 was chipped over the York line the ball bounced Durham’s way. With a collect from the Durham winger and good support from the players around him another break away try was conceded. With the conversion also made the Durham side were back in the game and this pressure led to further York indiscipline, a penalty also converted by Durham.

With the score being pulled back to 20-17 York needed to be lead from the front and with great work again from Weir and Callis at the breakdown York got a march on the Durham line once more, York new it was vital to use this momentum and after some great phases from the back line the ball was brought up to the Durham line. York saw this the perfect time to bring forth their trump card the man mountain that is Rupert Grant, with some backs in his sight on the Durham line Rupert found his target and ploughed over the line to take York to a 25-17 lead and after the conversion from Grant to 27-17. Despite some last ditch tackling from Callis using his head instead of his shoulders York came out on top 27-20 with another great win.

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November 4th saw the first XV continue their 1a season away at Northumbria against their 2nd XV. After a long bus journey shared with the second team the atmosphere was tense and the mood was sombre unaware what they were going to face. After stepping out onto the crisp field of play, the team was roused and ready to do war with physical looking team, and in the early skirmishes York came out on top.

With great defence in the centres including huge hits from Michael James and Gruffudd Jones, and great pressure from the forwards in every contact situation, it was not long before the penalties began to build up in York’s favour. With one attempt missed by Robert Grant he stepped up to put York in the lead with a successful conversion, with a lead taken against them, and the penalty count still rising it was only a matter of time before Northumbria would pay and they did in the form of a sin binning. With the extra man on their side York took the initiative and scored through some more great work from the forwards resulted in Ben Innes crossing the line. After a well taken conversion from Grant York stretched out to a 10-0 lead.

After this York continued to disrupt both lineout and scrum for the opposition another great performance from the forward was lead by Rupert Grant, James Stone and Ben Innes gave the backs the platform they needed to press on. However with the slippery conditions the backs found it hard in the first half to take advantage of the possession and despite good lines from Gruffudd Jones and Thomas Bugge the home side managed to bring them slightly back into the game with a penalty.

The second half started in a similar manner to the first, York continued to dominate both the contact are and the scrum despite the fact that flanker Rory McGregor had to be subbed off due to a culinary injury from the night before. The mood changed in the York camp however, when a spell of pressure led to a try form Northumbria, despite reliant defence throughout the rest of the game a lack of guards around the fringes on a ruck on their five metre line led to the ball ‘apparently’ being placed over the York line.

With the core now at 10-7 York needed to respond and they did, with the ball going wide and Gruffudd Jones and Thomas Bugge breaking through, the ball was set up on the 22 metre line. Seeing the fullback out of position Tim “Sparkleton” Walker placed a delicate chip over the top which was well gathered by William Felgate who then stepped the covering defender and scored. With the initiative back in York’s favour, York continued to press on and despite some indiscipline of their own in which Northumbria were allowed to have a penalty attempt, which was duly put away by their somewhat familiar looking fly half, York were in the ascendency and continued to break the Northumbria defence.

With Ryan Johnson making an impact straight away beating his man on the outside, another try was almost scored when he seemed to put Jones in, however when the covering tackle was made it was up to the forwards to once again do the hard work and put the ball over the line, this time Rupert making the vital last touch, with Grant also making the kick York led 22-10, with two more penalties put away by Grant the score went to 28-10.

With a final push on the Northumbria line York were still not intent on resting on their laurels made another barrage, and after more great work from Alistair “Darkan” Handy and Alexander Redshaw at the breakdown York crossed the line once more, to complete the rout 35-10. And as the sun set on another incredible York performance they were content and looking forward to an enjoyable bus ride home. Score 35 – 10 York Win.

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Another intense battle was awaiting York 1^st XV, this time against Sheffield Hallam away. After a very early start in which York arrived early to Sheffield, the team enjoyed watching some girls hockey for some relaxation in which Ben Innes and Richard Welsh became acquainted with some of the Hallam ladies. After seeing the Hallam girls destroy a very (very) poor York St John side it was into the changing room and out onto the pitch for the warm up.

Knowing that the side they were about to face were relegated from the league above last year York did not know what to expect when battle commenced but with a sense of invincibility about York not loosing a single game in the 2008-2009 season the team was lined up and ready for the challenge.

Early play saw York try to go wide but the drift defence from Hallam was strong and panic set about the team. When a chip went over-the-top of the York defence, and a lucky bounce followed, Hallam took the lead with a try in the corner, the men knew that this was going to be the challenge they had been looking for all last year. With the defence broken twice more in the first half, York were seemingly outplayed by Sheffield going into the break. 21-0.

The halftime talk from Alex Redshaw and comments from the coach, showed a belief in the players, a will to step up and show Hallam why the UYRUFC were in 1a, and the second half did just that.

Gruffudd Jones and Michael James started making breaks in the centres, Rupert and Innes started running their lines and disrupting the Hallam Defence with great support shown be Rory McGregor and Thomas Weir.

Finally continuity was developing into the 1^st XV, the phases began to build up and York starting playing the rugby they had in the previous season. The pack were shoving Hallam off every scrum, chewing them at every opportunity, James Stone seemingly coming on and making all the difference but well supported by Rupert Grant and Ben Innes at the front.

With scrum after scrum going our way it was left to Thomas Weir, the scoring representative of the forwards, to seemingly stroll over the line from the 5 metre line to lift York with their first try, with spirits lifted, York saw a chance. Unfortunately another Hallam try followed after some missed tackles in defence one again cost York dearly.

Not letting this put the team down the forwards once again showed strength by dominating the front and this lead to a forwards try, scored by our winger Peter Nathan. Hallam then continued this spell of pressure and scored once more. With the score 35-10 York were not finished. The team were not going to leave Sheffield without making a mark and stepping up like they had done before.

With minutes left Robert Grant looked wide, and with a flurry of offloads and quick ball resulted in Thomas Bugge beating his man and putting Michael James in to score York’s final try.

The defeat was a massive blow to a York team that has grown used to success but the impressive second half performance should fill them with confidence for an exciting the return game at 22 acres on the 09/12/2009. Final score 35-17

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