After a long weekend of rest and recuperation, York Women returned to league action away at Doncaster in what promised to be a tough encounter for both sides. Prior to the start, both teams joined together for a moment of reflection at centre field as today’s game fell on the anniversary of 100 years since the guns fell silent on Armistice Day. And with a few chosen words of remembering why we play this beautiful game, the game kicked off with bright sunshine on the back of York’s shoulders.

On the front foot, York took the game to Doncaster with some excellent running from number eight Becky Coultish from the base of the scrum. In an area where both teams looked to dominate with Doncaster fielding a much grander pack, York had their work cut out - but in their customary manner managed to hold their own. And with a start for Kelly Feetenby-Gare at hooker and Harriet Etchells at openside, both players supported each other in several talented passages of play. With second row Angela Coultish making turn overs at the break down, it wasn’t long before York opened the scoring. A well-deserved try for Kelly Feetenby-Gare came after some great, one out, passing through the hands of both backs and forwards. With little time wasted York led 0-5.
Having settled into the game, York went searching to double their lead after some impressive defensive tackling from full back Ellie Seagrave. Doncaster threw themselves back into the game and came hard at York, but with some deliberate lines of running, interplay and support, Becky Coultish scored to increase the score board to 0-10.
The game restarted with twenty-five minutes of the half to play and both sides really opened their bent-on intentions to score. Doncaster led with some harsh forward play but were in vain with York’s centre partnership of Alex Johnston and Robyn Davies hitting relentlessly all afternoon as they threw the ball out to their back line.
Forward player of the match Kat Feetenby-Gare continued in her normal fashion, throwing herself at every opportunity at the tackle area and soon York were pressing Doncaster’s try line again. This time it was Ellie Seagrave, whose ability to break the tackle and score under the posts, lead to a successful conversion for Ruth Whitehead. As the halftime whistle went, both sides reunited with their coaching staff for refreshments and words of encouragement.
With a two o’clock kick off, the sun remained high and thus proved tricky. A deep surging kick over by Doncaster’s fly half led to some onward pressure, resulting in phase after phase of pressure on York’s try line. Eventually, the line broke out wide and Doncaster scored. Emotions ran high for Doncaster who saw this as an opening, but York rallied under the posts. After some composure from their leaders, they came out from the posts ready to explore avenues of attack. It wasn’t for a lack of trying but the scores remained the same as the last thirty minutes were played out. Each side gave their all, but it was York who came the closest with scrum half Laura Coles who made a solo attempt towards the final minutes of the game. With ball in hand, she threw herself down the blindside, only to be tackled five metres out and put into touch by their fullback, who had a sterling game.
And so, has the final scrum was played out, and a knock on in play was made, the final whistle went, with both teams immediately congratulating each other on a well fought match and relishing the return game at York next year.

Final Score: Doncaster Demons 5 v York RUFC Women 17

York Women find themselves back at Doncaster next week for a social, watching England Red Roses play Canada in their second autumn international. It will be a great chance for players and coaches alike to relax and enjoy each other’s company. They look to grow their development players with an evening kick off at Sandal the following Friday.

1. Kat Feetenby-Gare
2. Kelly Feetenby-Gare
3. Laura Young
4. Gill Jackson
5. Angela Coultish
6. Elizabeth Pyle
7. Harriett Etchells
8. Becky Coultish
9. Laura Coles
10. Ruth Whitehead
11. Katherine Hanlon
12. Alex Johnston
13. Robyn Davies
14. Jane Richardson
15. Ellie Seagrave
16. Jilly Davies
17. Claudia Francesca
Final score 5-17
Scorers
Kelly Feetenby-Gare x1
Becky Coultish x1
Ellie Seagrave x1
Conversion x1 (Ruth Whitehead)

York Back of the Match: Ruth Whitehead
York Forward of the Match: Kat Feetenby-Gare
Opposition Player of the Match: Laura Young