Hullionians vs York (Away)

This time it was only the healthy Force 9 breeze and the slightly “firm” ground conditions that had to be contended with.

York’s first game of 2011, and a somewhat Spartan turnout from the lads, with only seven making it - the “Magnificent Seven”. I had toyed with the idea of allocating all the characters in the film to each of the York U10 players, as it was indeed a morning that would require a demonstration of all of the talents and attributes shown by those gunslingers of big screen fame. Anyway, the plan fell apart at the first hurdle as Nick took the Yul Brynner role immediately with his cranial depilation feature, and Simon did a great impersonation of the Robert Vaughan “I was once great, but too much dodgy wine has taken its toll” role.

After some pre-match training, there was much discussion on the pitch status, but agreement between players and parents meant we played a normal game. Hull very kindly lent two players (Harry and Will) from their large squad to make the York numbers up to nine, and we were off.

Hull always field big lads in their squad, but York were not to be intimidated. A tremendous run down half of the pitch by George put York into the lead (0-5). However, Hull came back and levelled the scores (5-5). Harry (one of the loan players) proved to be a great asset to the York side, and scored a great try to take York into the lead again (5-10). But Hull were not to be shaken and equalised just before half-time (10-10).

Harry again put York into the lead (10-15) in the second half, before Hull once more equalised (15-15). Final score Hull 15-15 York.

This was a worthy draw from two sides who played with great spirit, sportsmanship and hospitality in challenging conditions.

A special note for the lovely baps to be had in the Hull kitchen – a real crowd pleaser on a bitterly cold day.