We had a long journey to Sheffield and not knowing how the rainfall could affect this fixture - when we arrived we were pleasantly surprised to find a dryish pitch.

This was a close match in every way, Sheffield one point behind us in the table with two games in hand so it was a game we needed to win. We had a number of players who had dropped down from the 1st XV, here to prove a point, with a few regular second teamers pushing for first team places.

York’s goal kicker, John Dawes getting a penalty to commence the scoring, then Sheffield halfway through the first half made one of their rare visits into our 22m to score a converted try, York hit back when Lewis Hannibal touched down at the base of the posts, for John Dawes to convert. Halftime 10-10.

The game was there for both sides, York scoring a try from James Hartley on his return to the side, this converted by John Dawes. All looking promising, but whenever Sheffield moved the ball wide we were often vulnerable. Then in the final five minutes it happened their right wing getting outside his marker, we all felt that the final conversion may prove too much, well the kicker struck it beautifully and they drew level.

A competitive match, played in good spirit, we gave away too many penalties, lost too many line outs and we must tidy our exits from the 22, if we are to challenge the league leaders. This means numbers at training, committing to be the best we can be,which can only come with practice.