York RUFC @ Driffield RUFC

York had to dig deep into their character and grit on a wet afternoon at Driffield, to overcome the Papa John Cup holders in an uncompromising encounter that is so typical of this fixture, running out eventual winners 18 points to 10. York have made a solid start to this year’s campaign arriving at Kelleythorpe with three consecutive wins under their belt, standing just ahead of Driffield in the league by virtue of the losing bonus point secured in their only defeat by Alnwick. Driffield have made a similarly impressive start with their only loss against league leaders Harrogate. A win was an important outcome for both sides looking to consolidate their position at the top end of the table. The stage was set for a battle royal as dark rain clouds covered the theatre adding to the tension in the atmosphere.
York’s preparation wasn’t perfect, already having to select two back row forwards in the second row, further late changes were enforced by Avison being taken ill on the bus on the journey over and Atkin delayed due to work commitments in the morning; former York colt Tino Mulase came on to the bench and Frank deputised competently at scrum half until Atkins arrival.

Driffield kicked off in dry conditions that weren’t to last very long. Both sides tested each other out with early exchanges in the loose, Driffield forwards carrying strongly but York tackling up to the test. Shackleton opted to keep York in the Driffield half with probing kicks that kept them turning. The pressure paid off with York securing a penalty after only five minutes. Hessay slotted it comfortably between the uprights to give York the early lead 0-3. Driffield responded well taking the game deep into the York half and pressurising the York line through hard driving forwards. Met by a solid York defence they were held up over the line. Frank had deputised well until Atkin made it on to the pitch after 15 minutes just before Driffield brought the scores level with a penalty kick from 30m out. Driffield 3, York 3.

The game was evenly balanced with both sides making light of the conditions, the ball becoming increasingly like a bar of soap. Despite this both sides mixed their options choosing to play wide off good phase ball. The handling from both sides was impressive in the conditions. Driffield looked particularly threatening in the centre. York were equally threatening with Hessay bringing pace into the line to pose additional questions. He couldn’t quite get Davies away however due to the well organised Driffield defence which had all the moves covered; tackling from both sides was uncompromising. The Driffield pressure was starting to have an impact with some mistakes creeping into York’s game. The effect of the size and weight of their pack, particularly in the scrum, starting to become apparent. The Driffield No8 decided to try a different tactic, delicately chipping over the York defence and came very close to scoring but for the defensive effort of newcomer Mills who managed to get to the ball first.

The game swung to the other end of the field, York managing to apply pressure in the left-hand corner. Driffield penalised three times in the red zone was not sufficient for a card it seemed. York pounded the line with drives from Scholey and Jackson before Mills completed the front row symphony crossing to the left of the posts. The try converted by Hessay, York restored the lead 3 – 10. Playing well into injury time there was one last fright for the York spectators. Strong running by the Driffield centre broke the gain line on the halfway before he managed to make a great offload to his colleague coming at pace into the inevitable gap on his shoulder. He surged behind the first line of defence, neatly stepped past Hessay and was on his way to the line but for the tireless Simpson. He does his best work on the ground, and this was no exception. Seemingly at full stretch he managed to tap tackle the flying attacker with his fingertips and bring him to the ground. York regrouped, cleared their line and the half-time whistle went.

The second half went pretty much like the first though the rain was heavier and the ball wetter if that were possible. Two evenly matched sides slogged it out with no quarter given. York pressed the Driffield line only to be held up. Driffield returned with equal pressure, managing to secure phase after phase and not drop the ball, it looked rather like last year’s game at the same venue. York defended courageously. Evans had to leave the field with what looked like a broken nose after he had used it to stop another drive from Driffield. The relentless pressure persisted and Driffield eventually managed to get over the line under the posts. The game tied again at 10 – 10. York returned with a penalty to take the game to a slender lead 10 – 13.

In past years York have not shown the composure they needed to close out a game at this stage, but this year is different. Despite the relentless pressure, York stuck to their task and made good decisions. One by Hessay who, having seen the space behind the Driffield defensive line, lofted a lovely kick from his own half securing touch near the Driffield 22 to relieve the pressure on York. Another couple of metres and York would have had the throw in at the line out too. York made the most of the position securing a kickable penalty. Atkin had other ideas and quickly tapped and ran. Quick thinking and even quicker feet (I think he has got faster since last year?) saw him over the line for a magnificent individual try. Conversion missed, York extended their lead to 8 points, Driffield needed two scores to win. Sound familiar? Atkin was injured in the effort to score and left the field. Frank returned at scrum half. Earlier in the game Mulase had come on to make his first team debut and looked like he fitted in well. A yellow card for Hayes for a high tackle came late in the game but York held out to secure a solid victory. 10 - 18.

There is some talent in this York side including two England age group players (one from each code), two county players and a Cambridge Blue. Returning players for the next league match in two weeks’ time, including second row forwards, will add to the strength of the squad and to their confidence. The league table was good reading after the game. Second to Harrogate with only points difference separating the two sides.