Five games into the new season saw York entertain West Park Leeds (WPL) in another important league match. Having the success of last week’s win under their belt, York were keen to get going again. But it was WPL who came out fighting and scored first in a tightly contested first twenty minutes of rugby. Countless York attacking scrums and lines of running just couldn’t find the killer pass for York Women. Full back Ellie Seagrave energetically ran back to her own 5-metre line from half way to make an exceptional try saving tackle, before the resulting play led to WPL opening the score.
Frustration under the posts for York; the fact that the game was reduced to 12 a side due to WPL bringing insufficient numbers and playing three twenty-minute quarters didn’t help. York rallied and within twenty minutes had found themselves 12-5 ahead. After some tangible team set moves, the result was two tries by Ellie Seagrave with Ruth Whitehead adding one conversion. Ellie’s third try soon followed with Kira Lewis also adding points with her successful conversion - this having followed complete domination in the scrum. Recent recruitment in this area has gone well for York with new comers Kira Lewis at hooker and tight head Fiona Piercy. The added balance of veterans Kat Feetenby-Gare and Sophie Penny has seen York Women prosper in this area of the game. Added to that, Holly Shiels shows great commitment to the squad through the lens of the match day camera. Holly has tactfully given up playing this season which is a big loss as she continues with her work studies and placements.
As the game continued and with fresh legs brought on, York continued to show their growing confidence. Claudia Francesca showed great determination and tackling – both aspects that were admired by the watching spectators. As were Fiona Piercy’s crunching tackles!
From the kick off for the third quarter, Laura Young burst into an extensive run from inside her own 22 which led to another storming attack from York Women. With the outstretched arm of Georgina Roberts, after fending off tackle after tackle, she scored in the corner. York Women’s back of the match, Ellie Seagrave, soon added her fourth try of the game with two minutes left on the clock. From the resulting kick off, York were given a stiff challenge by WPL and they duly worked hard together to repel the threat. Following some excellent recycling of the ball at the break down, captain Ruth Whitehead kicked and chased her own ball. With the ball having sat up nicely, Ruth nudged it on again and as the ball entered WPL in-goal area, she touched down. Ruth handed the ball to Kira Lewis to slot home the conversion.
The referee’s whistle blew for full time as both teams came together to applaud each other’s performance. York Women now head to Scunthorpe next week for their first cup game of the season. Finally, a very special mention to all the spectators, friends and families of the players who come to watch each week. You really do make all the difference and are becoming our 16th player.

York RUFC Women Squad v West Park Leeds Ladies
Sun 21 October 2018
Kat Feetenby-Gare
Kira Lewis
Georgina Roberts
Laura Young
Elizabeth Pyle
Kelly Feetenby-Gare
Jessica Hall
Harriet Etchells
Ruth Whitehead
Laura Coles
Robyn Davies
Ellie Seagrave
Sophie Penny
Angela Coultish
Mel Pickering
Katherine Hanlon
Jude McDowell
Sarah Thalayasingham
Claudia Francesca
Gill Jackson
Final score 36-5
Scorers
Ellie Seagrave x 4
Georgina Roberts x 1
Ruth Whitehead x 1
Conversion x 1 (Ruth Whitehead)
Conversion x 2 (Kira Lewis)

York Back of the Match - Ellie Seagrave
York Forward of the Match - Fiona Piercy
Opposition Player of the Match - Harriet Etchells
Match report by David Norman
Photographs by Hollie Shiels