DONCASTER FESTIVAL

First Game – Doncaster B.

A clean sheet for York in their first group game – tries from Will, Toby P and Barney in the first half; Steele finishing off the game with a try in the second. Final Score Doncaster B 0-20 York.

Second Game - Sheffield

The second game was a much tougher affair. There were no scores from either side in the first half. However, York’s determination showed though in the second half with tries from Barney (x2) and Toby P. The difference in tempo in the second half may well have been down to the encouraging words from the touchline by John H – “Watch the hole”; no one knew what he meant but it seemed to do the trick. As the victorious players came off the pitch he also chipped in with a “Well Done People” – presumably this is a remnant of his time as a Roman Emperor. Final score Sheffield 0-15 York.

Third Game – Sleaford.

Another challenging match for York against a tough side. Will scored the only try in the first. Tom M and George increased the York lead in the second half, with Sleaford pulling one back late in the game. Final Score Sleaford 5-15 York.

York went through to the next stages as the winners of their Group.

Semi-Final – Sheffield Tigers.

The toughest game so far; a very close fought first half, with some great play from both sides. The second half was equally hard fought – the York forwards (Alex, Will and Fraser) were battling hard to win ball for their backs against a formidable Sheffield pack. With only a few seconds to go Steele got the wining try. Final Score Sheffield Tigers 0-5 York.

York through to the final now against Selby!

Final – Selby.

This was a hard fought game, with great competition in the scrum and rucks. The York forwards progressively gained control, but the first score was by Selby, who went into the half-time break in the lead. The exhuberent celebration by the Selby try scorer was duly noted by York though, and they came back out with renewed determination.
A tremendous team effort by York ensued – the forwards particularly taking command of the game, creating opportunities for the backs. Fraser ripped the ball and passed through to Toby P; down the line to Steele who squeezed over to level the scores. A tense period of play as both sides worked hard to get the decisive try. York were not to be denied now though and the collective efforts culminated in the winning try by Sam. Final Score Selby 5-10 York.

A great effort by York, and a well deserved reward to lift the cup.