York RUFCs 2’s had the chance to avenge a big away loss this Saturday, as they welcomed Billingham to Clifton Park on a chilly but clear Saturday afternoon. Again, the 2’s had to deal with late changes and new combinations on the team sheet, but the finalised team was strong, with a great mixture of old, wise and balding heads as well as younger players to bring some great energy into the game.

York began the game strongly, there was some great carrying from the big boys in the pack with Smelly Stefan DZiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiruhskbiksigkjs, Jordan ‘Fort Boyard’ Heymans and Chris Owens (Ask Toby Atkin for comical nickname and insert here) heading the charge. With the big lumps leading the way, it allowed Chris Wood to orchestrate the backs with great composure, using his centre partnership of Tom Avison and York RUFC debutant Sam Forbes very well to continue the attack into the Billingham 22. Chris Wood, then showing some great vison to change the attack to the opposite side of the pitch, chipping into the corner with accuracy, causing turmoil in the Billingham back 3. Ollie Crook, lived up to his surname and stole the ball from the Billingham winger’s grasp, before popping back to Woody who had chased his own kick to dot down in the corner. 5-0 York and some excellent rugby played. Chris Wood then slots the conversion from the touch line to make it 7-0. I will add, it was noticed in the game that Woody kicks goals with his right foot, and kicks out of hand with his left and I just wanted to make sure he knew how weird that is. Nonetheless, an excellent conversion and York deserve the 7-0 lead.

After the initial score the game remained tight, Yorks back 5 and centre’s defending with great heart, and it took some great inter passing, support play and accuracy for Billingham to get onto the score sheet. An excellent try out wide, followed by a difficult conversion and the scores are level as we reach the half time whistle.

The start of the second half was met with rain and the introduction of the 2 heavies on the York bench, Ollie Rupp and Charlie Wilson. James Simpson and Jason Lofthouse making way after a great first half shift from both men. The game remains very tight, but York still have the edge in the pack and Charlie Wilson has an instant impact on the game with some powerful carries. The second York try is almost an exact replica of the first, with Wilson, Owens and Dzzzzyouryourmumski carrying well, before Wood lifts another pin point kick in behind the Billingham winger to find Chris Owens, gasping for air on the wing trying to recover from his earlier carry. Chris shows some great strength to fight off the cover tackles and reach to get the ball down in the corner. York go 12-7 Up.

Billingham lift their game with their 10, who was impressive all game, now using the aerial root by sending up several high bombs. York’s back 3 of Ollie Crook, Mike Oldroyd and Max Brookes were up to the challenge and returned all kicks with interest, relieving the pressure of York momentarily. After a couple of decisions York didn’t agree with from the referee, York seemed to lose their discipline and gave away several penalties, inviting the pressure back on from Billingham. Billingham kick to the corner and their forwards get a roll on with some strong work in the tight, before getting over to equal the scores up at 12-12.

The game was on edge, both teams 10’s missed a penalty attempt to take the lead and it seemed that either team could go on to win it. There were some excellent cover tackles made by Sam Forbes and Mike Oldroyd to keep the Billingham full back at bay, whilst Tom Avison continued to carry strongly and get York up the field.

As the rain came down the game got tighter and it was going to take a moment of brilliance to win it, and what a moment we got. Charlie Wilson coming on a crash ball from 9 bursts through 2 tackles before galloping into the Billingham back field. The Billingham back 3 coming to make the cover tackle as Charlie’s legs were seeming to tire before he hit the Nos and found another gear; stepping the cover tackle to reach out and score just to the right of the sticks! The crown go wild, especially James Simpson who I see run down the touch line, jump in the air and roll his ankle upon landing; what a plonker. Chris Wood adds the extras and York take a 7 point lead – 19 -12.

With around 5 minutes left on the clock, York close out the game, by keeping it tight in the pack, with the help again of some strong carries from Forbes and Oldroyd. The ref signals it is the last play and Wood clears the ball off the pitch. Great composure from the team is shown to close out the game and get a great win. Those watching were very impressed and the lads should be very proud of themselves.

Some special mentions go out to George Robinson and Nick Kuba who were everywhere and did not stop running for 80 minutes. Both happy to do the hard graft, allowing the big boys to get the glory with the carries. Thanks to Nick especially for missing the start of your 60th birthday party to help the lads out last minute and put a great shift in.

A second special mention to the 13 jersey, who put in a great shift managing to stop Sam Forbes spilling out of it for the whole game. The jersey that has been fine for all other players this season, was tighter than a 1st gear hairpin on Mr. Forbes… Sam is a new lad down the club so if you haven’t met him yet then please do introduce yourself.

Final thought: A great game of rugby, played to an excellent standard. York more than deserved the win and several lads in the team have put their hands up and shown they are more than capable of getting a first team jersey. Well done all and thanks for having me help with the coaching today.

Match report written by Joseph Maud.