York travelled north to Newcastle for their first visit to Sutherland Park, home to Novocastrians RUFC. With some late squad withdrawals, the motley crew arrived in high spirits - ready to conquer whatever was thrown at them.

With the kick-off received by York, the game began. Both sides were eager to display the ambition to turn each other over - at the breakdown, set piece and in open play. It was the home side that came crashing through early on with a well-constructed try and conversion, to lead seven nil. But standing on the touch line today was a host of the York players family, friends and supporters, who just had a feeling that points were on offer. Soon enough, prop Laura Young scored just wide of the posts but with the conversion just out of range for kicker Kira Lewis. Game on! Thereafter, each side gave it their all. But with a talented fly half, and some good set moves, Novo’s soon built up a healthy lead as half time was approaching. Laura Coles had to come off with an injury, to be replaced by Ruth Whitehead who managed to fill the void at flanker up until halftime. Then she and Meg Kerry interchanged positions.

Half time drinks soon came and went and with it came a second half which will long live in the archives for York WRUFC. Centre Kadi Peake, who had been crashing balls up the middle all day, finally found some freedom from the despairing tackles. Running from just inside her own half, she scored under the posts. Kicker Kira Lewis converted. Fly half Ruth Whitehead, who had been trying her luck all season, was able to find a kick and chase which graciously fell into her arms to score; Kira Lewis was ecstatic to convert on her limit of kicking range.
With the score now at 17 – 19 to the visitors, Novo’s hit back with a controversial try in the corner - straight from the weekend’s Scotland/Ireland Six Nations encounter - Stuart Hogg would be less pleased with though. Unlike Stuart, Novo’s try was awarded, but the conversion fell short. This was still a three-point game for either side to win. What followed were two individual tries from fullback Lucy Beresford and winger Claudia Gilham, both were converted by Kira Lewis under the posts. Final score 22 – 33

An outstanding victory for all those connected to the squad. Our heartfelt thanks to the Novo’s for playing their part in what was a fantastic game of rugby. York now face Carlisle firstly away, in a double header due to an early January cancellation.

York Back of the Match Daisy Whitwood
York Forward of the Match Laura Young
Opposition Player of the Match Kadi Peake