Finally, after much weather disruption York Women at long last played Carlisle Cougars in what turned into a nine try feast.
Down by ten points at half time, York pull it back to receive a well-deserved losing bonus point.

Hailstone welcomed both sides to Clifton Park for their pre match warm up. It was York who received the kick-off as sunshine finally broke through. Straight away,York were on the front foot as they were keen to pick up where they left off against Novocastrians in their last game. But it was Carlisle who struck first with a try and successful conversion to lead by seven.New full back, Lucy Beresford, having only her second game in the position, managed to outstretch the Carlisle defence to score, sadly just on the limit of kicker, Jess Hall. With much delight the scores were levelled. With two further tries by Carlisle, both teams battled hard to find each other’s weak spots.

Half time came with many interchanges from the York bench to find the right balance and ingredients as the second half kicked off.
Again though, much to their dismay York allowed the visitors to pull away with a further try and conversion. Carlisle were delighted though following their lengthy journey down today.Nevertheless, York played on in the spirit of this great game and produced two run away tries. Firstly, by winger Claudia Gilham which was converted by fly half Ruth Whitehead. Secondly by Georgie Briggs, this was converted by the ‘fresh legs’ of Jess Hall. The score was now 21 – 24 to the visitors. Still with fifteen minutes to play, another try and conversion gave Carlisle a ten-point buffer. With some stiff words of encouragement, it was an opportunity York couldn’t walk away from after all the effort both on and off the field of play. With time now against them, the ball fell into the arms of Daisy Whitwood. She ran with great passion to score but the conversion sadly fell short from Jess Hall’s boot.York held on after the re-start and bizarrely it was Carlisle who regained possession and duly booted into touch for the final whistle to go. Final score York RUFC Women 26 – Carlisle Cougars 31.

York now face Halifax with only three games remaining in the season.

York Back of the Match: Claudia Gilham
York Forward of the Match: Meg Kerry
Opposition Player of the Match: Kadi Peake
Match report by David Norman