York travelled to our old rivals, Cleckheaton with a strong squad, skipper Ross White returning alongside Luke Stockton, following the latter’s marriage last week. Liam Hessay having to withdraw due to injury, George Davies, a player who can cover many positions stepping up at full back.

York starting very positively, occupying territory and retaining possession of the ball, creating multi phases, moving the ball forward with dominant ball carrying from the big forwards, controlling the game territorially during the first twenty minutes. Then Cleckheaton broke out for the first time in the game into the York 22m, York conceding a penalty in front of their own posts, for Dale Breakwell to convert. Score 3-0
Another offside penalty from Cleckheaton, and Harry Shackleton with his booming left boot put the ball in the corner. At this stage, Cleckheaton were stealing line- out possession and relieving the pressure that York was putting on their opponents territorially. But there was a stout defence from Cleckheaton to resist the quality ball carrying from York creating forward momentum with the crossing of gain lines thereby occupying the opponent’s 22 meters for long periods. This pressure from York eventually leading to the Cleckheaton skipper being sent to the “bunker” for a no arms tackle.

After 27 minutes, an attacking line out on the 10-meter line saw a ‘salmonesque’ leap from Archie Fothergill, taking the ball off the top of the line out, to feed Toby Atkin who beat two defenders then raced untouched over the line, near the posts, for Harry Shackleton to convert. Just reward for the territorial domination and pressure. Score 3-7. There was sometimes keen defence from both teams, as well as over eagerness from both teams leading to many offside penalties. Then a very rare visit to York’s 22 led to an inside pass for Cleckheaton’s, Richard Noble, to score a well taken try, Dale Breakwell converting after 35 minutes. Score 10-7.

Just before half time, there was a series of big carries and forward inter passing from York. Lewi Jackson’s introduction as an impact substitute, had an immediate effect showing his raw power, the jinking Archie Fothergill reminiscent of Jason Robinson, a delight to watch. Ball carries from all the forwards making ground, giving a penalty opportunity for Harry Shackleton. Turning around at half time, to 10-10. York awarded a kickable penalty, which just drifted past the upright, exciting stuff. Cleckheaton taking the limited chances on offer, York unable to turn territorial dominance into points. An unforced error at the kick off by York allowing Cleckheaton to exert pressure in the York 22m, then a failed field goal attempt by Dale Breakwell, released the pressure on the York line. The introduction of Dan Evans replacing Josh Shepherd and a tiring Cleckheaton team, saw York begin to dominate the game. A ruck on the Cleckheaton 22m saw the creation of a blind side, a sweet dummy and quick footwork from Harry Shackleton opened up the space for him to go over for the try, which he was unable to convert, score now 10-15.

A big 50-22 clearance by Dale Breakwell gives our opponents a good field position, only for York to steal the line out. Then big clearances by Harry Shackleton, pushing the pressure back onto the home side. Eddie Westaby comes on again to replace Luke Stockton, Ross White moving onto the blind side and Dan Evans into the second row. York now taking complete control of the match with their forward domination, forcing Dale Breakwell to chip the ball in his own 22 to allow Jonty Atkinson to recover the ball and counter attack with the support of George Davies, transferring the ball to Mitch Ashman in midfield, he breaks the defensive line to run in for a try, from 35 meters. Harry Shackleton converts, good teamwork from the York back three. The score is now 10-22. Cleckheaton always a threat, especially the quick jinking Ollie Lightfoot on the left wing. The York forward pack are able to dominate and work their way forward, keeping the ball in the right parts of the field. Joe Simpson has had a good afternoon, is replaced by Luke Stockton.

A penalty from Harry Shackleton widens the gap, now Cleckheaton are under even more pressure this takes the game away from the home team, securing victory for York, 10-25. But there is one final sting in the tail, a deliberate knock on from Tom Hainswoth sees another yellow card for Cleckheaton, York dominating the possession of the ball at this stage but keeping cool heads, recycling the ball and Archie Fothergill is on the outside to score the try, for the final score and the four try bonus point, 10-30 the final score. This was a fitting finish for the Man of the Match.

This was a wonderful spectacle of a game. The league certainly looks very tight, where any team can beat any other team. And we look forward to an interesting season.