Driffield whom York had not played for a number of seasons were the visitors for their second home game of the season. The visitors came with plenty of confidence having won all 4 of their games. York having won their last 2 games were hoping to continue their run of form. The sun was shining, the ground in good condition, perfect for running rugby with the wind blowing down the pitch. Driffield brought a large number of supporters which with the York support made for a good crowd and atmosphere.

From the kick off Driffield played with the wind and put York under pressure retaining the ball through several phases and testing their defence which held firm. However from a clearing York, the Driffield No 8 ran in from 20 metres and scored in the corner. It was converted. York were 7 points down after 6 minutes having not had any of the ball. It was then York’s turn to enjoy some possession which resulted in a try by J Atkinson after a break from halfway. The conversion was missed. 5-7 after 13 minutes.

The Driffield centre was yellow carded after further York pressure but they could not profit and Driffield scored again after 20 minutes from good running by the centres after a line out in the York 22. The try was converted. 5- 14. York then took the game to Driffield but their defence held firm but they did concede a penalty which was scored by the York full back G Davies to make the score 8-14 after 27 minutes. York then spent the majority of the remainder of the half in Driffield’s 22 but could not make their possession and pressure pay notwithstanding that Driffield gave away a number of penalties.

York supporters hoped the failure to do so would not be repeated in the second half.

Playing with the wind in the second half York immediately went on the attack which resulted in a penalty after 5 minutes which was kicked by G Davies to make the score 11-14. From the kick off York attacked again keeping the ball tight with the forwards. Driffield conceded penalties and York opted not to kick for goal but for scrums but mistakes allowed Driffield to clear and then after 14 minutes to score the try of the match, the ball went through several phases and stretched the York defence resulting in the Driffield full back scoring under the posts. The try was converted to make the score 11-21.

York responded by taking the game to Driffield resulting in their No 9 receiving a yellow card. York’s full back G Davies kicked the penalty to make the score 14-21 after 19 minutes. However from the kick off York gave away 2 quick penalties, Driffield kicked the second. York were now trailing 14-24. Notwithstanding good carries by the forwards York could not take advantage of the extra man and it was until the 37th minute when Driffield were back to full strength that the York wing S. Elliot scored wide out after a period of pressure. The conversion was missed. The score was now 19-24.

The game was still there to be won but York could not capitalise in the minutes remaining which finished in their 22 with Driffield on the attack. They failed to take advantage of having an extra man on 2 occasions and when in good attacking positions notwithstanding stout Driffield defence, made errors which allowed the visitors to clear their lines. They did not enjoy their usual dominance in the scrum and the line out misfired on a number of occasions.

York next play in 2 weeks time with a visit to top of the table Heath who have won all their games so far this season.

Photos : https://www.yorkrufc.co.uk/photos/york-rufc-19-v-driffield-rufc-24-1034357.html