York Women travelled to Ovenden Park on Sunday - home to Halifax RUFC. Last time the team visited they were met by a warm, dry environment in a 7's competition. Sunday was a very different matter. Quoted as saying ‘It was like playing in treacle’ following the recent wet weather, birthday girl Ruth Whitehead playing at fly half with scrum half Laura Coles, formed a partnership from the kick-off. Nikki Gill kept her place as hooker. Returning Sophie Penny found herself on the bench following months of revision - she was urged to get out of her books for the afternoon and have some fresh air! Jess Hall continued at No.8; Becky Coultish was itching to come off the bench and she duly did when second row Lizzie Threadgall found one of her digits pointing in the wrong direction after twenty minutes of play.

Knowing Halifax’s method of play from their last meeting at Clifton Park, York held well under constant pressure. The Halifax fly half was kicking for territory with the assistance of the wind in the first half. York held firm but eventually the line was broken and a successful conversion of the try meant the home side led by seven. But with the subsequent kick off and having regained possession around the halfway line, fullback Lucy Beresford broke through on the outside to score under the posts. A quite magnificent effort and a great team try. Seven all and coach ‘Dave’ was keen for them to go again, which York fittingly did, but just didn’t have the execution to deliver the final pass to score when it was on offer. As the first half ended, Halifax went over to score to lead 12 – 7 at the break.

Substitutes at the ready saw the remaining interchanges of fresh legs, with scrum half Harriett Etchells already on the pitch for the injured Laura Coles. Laura soon had to return to the field of play though as further injuries occurred - her appetite to tackle around the ruck area was pleasing to see. Veteran flanker Lucy Norris soon had to retire from the field with injury, but York kept up the fight. Sadly, Halifax soon won some ball and scored just wide of the posts. This made the score 17-7 to the hosts and that’s how it ended.

York came close in the last ten minutes - firstly a dashing run by centre Kadi Peake ended with her outstretched arm under the posts but the try was not given. Neither was winger Helen McLean’s effort. She initially misjudged her run, but then got herself back onside. Ruth Whitehead then chipped the ball over the Halifax defence for which McLean gladly took it in her stride. The referee brought play back for offside after much ‘expression’ from the home side spectators.

York now face league leaders Bishop Auckland in their next home game, which can only wet the appetite. As will the food offerings at the Dormouse and a certain Garlic Chilli Chicken for the Feetenby-Gare household this evening.
Final Score: Halifax Ladies 17 v York Women 7

York Back of the Match: Helen McLean
York Forward of the Match: Fiona Piercy
Opposition Player of the Match: Claudia Gilham