York travelled to Hull Ionians today with a strong side following last week’s encouraging development game. With a new centre partnership of Alex Johnston and Robyn Davies and first team starts for prop Fiona Piercy and back row Elizabeth Pyle, the squad were in high spirits following the pre-match warm up. The opening minutes saw possession deep in the hands of the opposition and York found themselves strong in defence, having to endure wave after wave of attack from the home side. But with their ever-increasing confidence and strength in depth, York pulled away in the twentieth minute with a solo run by number eight, Jess Hall, who scored under the posts; fly half Ruth Whitehead adding the extras. No sooner had the game restarted than York were straight back scoring - this time with the oppositions ‘Player of the Match’ Ellie Seagrave scoring with her trade mark determination and ability to run through tackles. The conversion made for good reading as York doubled their lead.
Thirty minutes and York had scored again following a line out in the opposition 22. The ball successfully secured from the lineout gave scrum half, Harriet Etchells, a passing platform to the backs, which in turn gave Ellie Seagrave on the back of an excellent training paddock move, scoring in the corner. York led 19-0. With half time looming, York exerted their pressure again with Ellie Seagrave scoring, having burst her way through. Half time score and York found themselves leading 24-0.
After a brief half time water break and some interchangeable fresh legs, York were keen to get going again and had set up ready for the second half to commence. After some comparable ball handling from both sides and some stop, start scrums for knock ons and other minor offences, Hull were on the scoreboard with well a earned try and conversion on fifty minutes.
Following the restart, York found themselves on the back foot and having to defend their line, deep in their 22. But if there’s one thing both coaches are beginning to relish is their continued commitment at the breakdown. Shortly before the fifty-seventh minute, York regained possession through Harriet Etchells, who found Laura Young wanting to run the ball out; no sooner she was out of the 22 with Hull’s defenders quick on her tail. The lock forward kicked the ball down field with a chasing pack, all eager to regain possession. Laura was first to the ball and it led to a sterling try from winger, Claudia Francesca. Ruth Whitehead added the extras. After only some five minutes later, the centre partnership, who had worked tirelessly all game, finally got their reward with Robyn Davies going over after another smart training paddock move. Both girls most be commended for match day performances today. With ten minutes left to go, another spark from full back Ellie Seagrave saw her side step her opponent to finish off under the posts, with great support running from Claudia Francesca. Ruth Whitehead again added the conversion and the game seemed to be wrapped up. But never say die, and with some tiring York legs, Hull scored two well-earned tries after some fifteen phases - such has been York’s dogged defence today.
Still plenty of points for both coaches to take away as next week we entertain Ripon at home in another development game.

York Squad V Hull Ionians
Sun 07 October 2018

1. Kat Feetenby-Gare
2. Kira Lewis
3. Fiona Piercy (1st cap)
4. Georgina Roberts
5. Gill Jackson
6. Elizabeth Pyle
7. Kelly Feetenby-Gare
8. Jess Hall

9. Harriet Etchells
10. Ruth Ellen Whitehead
11. Laura Coles
12. Alex Johnston (1st cap)
13. Robyn Davies
14. Jane Richardson
15. Ellie Seagrave

16. Sophie Penny
17. Laura Young
18. Angela Coultish
19. Mel Pickering
20. Claudia Francesca

York Back of the Match: Alex Johnston
York Forward of the Match: Kelly Feetenby-Gare
Opposition Player of the Match: Ellie Seagrave
Match report by David Norman
Photographs by Becky Coultish, Caitlin Burge and Hollie Shiels