After beating Newcastle Medicals, Gateshead and then Bowdon in the RFU Intermediate Cup, York travelled to Droitwich to play in the semi-final, the winners of the game playing in the final at Twickenham. Droitwich had beaten Ludlow, Ledbury and Whitchurch to reach today’s game. Both York and Droitwich are top of their respective leagues - Yorkshire 1 and Midlands 2 (West).
York selected their strongest team including the seven allowed substitutes. The pitch was soft, there was no sun, beneath the grass there was muddy clay.

York scored within five minutes. They controlled possession, won the first penalty of the game, kicked to touch, a driving maul and Joe Maud (flanker) scored one metre in from the corner. Jon Dawes, starting at full back, struck an excellent conversion.
Droitwich missed a penalty kick but continued to play the game in York’s half. York defended very well against pick and drives as Droitwich attacked the try line. Fifteen minutes in and the ball plus all of the players were covered in mud. Droitwich were pushed back but this provided more attacking space; winger Brad Cook, passing inside to fly half Sean Walker to score after a long period of attacking possession. Edward Wormington kicked for Droitwich but missed the conversion.

The game was tight and tough. York retained possession for multiple phases and Jon Dawes kicked a penalty. Mud-soaked, all of the players looked the same and they were all committed to the battle.

York’s travelling supporters were neutralising the home advantage. York’s back row of Josh Parker, Joe Maud and Shane Goulding were working hard - making tackles and committing to rucks.
The Droitwich phase play was tight and attacking. They were awarded two consecutive penalties, the second of which produced a team warning for York. Droitwich spent the five minutes before half time within metres of the York try line. York were excellent in defence, Chris Fox, Gareth Singleton, Shane Goulding and Liam Hessay were all (along with the other players) strong and organised in defence. Droitwich eventually scored with number eight, Phil Horton, getting over the line. The conversion was missed, 10-10 at half time.

York opened the second half the same way as the first. They won two penalties and attacked. The whole of the forward pack were involved in a driving maul and Josh Parker scored but sadly the conversion was missed, 10-15.
Droitwich now attacked; they won two of their own penalties with Gareth Singleton (winger) getting yellow carded after the second one. Some of the Droitwich wingers were now meeting the ball at pace and bending York’s defensive line. Droitwich made a couple of errors and York disrupted their line out (Chris Fox and Luke Stockton playing well in the second row). Droitwich scored after a short period of scrappy play. Flanker, Pete Knight, scored beside the posts. The conversion was good to give Droitwich the lead for the first time in the match, 17-15.
Droitwich scored again. More pressure on the York line and scrum half, Josh Skinner, scrambled over. The conversion was again good, Droitwich two scores ahead with thirteen minutes remaining, 24-15.

Droitwich kept a solid, organised defensive line and were determined not to commit any penalties. York attacked with spirit but made a couple of errors and couldn’t make a break until a little bit of magic and experience from inter-change centre, Chris Peace. He beat his defender and fed Liam Hessay on an intelligent supporting line to score. The conversion was good and York only needed three points to win, four minutes remaining.
York received possession from the re-start. All of the players were brave with so much at stake. York attacked and made their way up field and into injury time, they were awarded a penalty but missed. Another penalty was awarded to York forty metres out but the ball was too muddy to get a good connection, so York kicked to the corner. The line-out was won giving York possession but sadly then knocked-on. Droitwich were ecstatic to have kept York out and win. It had been a nail biting finish.

All the players were excellent and many thanks to the officiating team and the supporters of both clubs. It was an outstanding and exciting game of rugby. Congratulations to all that took part.
Final score Droitwich RFC 24 v York RUFC 22