After a thorough preseason, we were looking to make a good start to the 2019-20 in North East 1 after a sixth-place finish in 2018-19. An early wake-up call arrived in narrowly losing the first two games to Driffield and Morley, both games we should have won.

This proved that work would be needed to kick start the team. We then saw a big improvement and a winning run, until an unexpected loss at home to Percy Park. Again, the momentum was re-established, seeing back to back victories over all our local rivals Pocklington, Malton & Norton and Scarborough as part of a five-game unbeaten run.

This gave us a cushion at the top of the table. Cleckheaton were pushing us all the way as we won nine games on the bounce. Then came the ‘Top of the Table’ clash; the away game saw us wasting opportunities and conceding a deserved 37-23 defeat. But again, we lifted the bar with another four straight wins, including a huge home win over lowly Huddersfield YMCA. We were then 16 points clear at the head of the table when COVID-19 struck, so our season was in the hands of the RFU adjudication.

Almost three weeks went by before we were announced as League Champions! We were clearly the best side in North East 1, as the points differential stats showed, almost a 1000 points scored some class attacking 15 man rugby and defence of the highest quality.

Credit to Ross White and his team, ably coached and directed by Lee Denham and Declan Cusack. We all are looking forward to the challenge of North Premier Rugby and hope that a full season will be possible.