With all 3 reporters either on holiday and/or harvesting and the usual photographer also on holiday, it looked like a busy day for me. It turned out not to be, in the circumstances, I only noted the scorers and took a few photo’s for the record.

These are my observations/opinions.

Not too warm, a bit of a breeze. Pitch in excellent condition. Proper shelters [not the wooden sheds in the photos] for both teams and technical areas properly laid out per this seasons regulations.
Not so sure about the IPA !
The Yorkshire forum pundits were split but probably 80% predicting a win for West Leeds. The higher division team were there to be shot down !

Don’t know if this was their first choice 15 but West Leeds looked up for it, well organised and rumour had it, included a winger who had played at Leeds Rhinos amongst others. True in fact, one player does not make a team but he is going to seriously trouble any defence. Very fast with a great step. Strong pack who play as a unit. Good lineout. Very vocal [overly so at times with the ref]. Played with a lot of heart and aggression. They are going to be well in with a shout in whichever competition they play this season.

Since last season,York have a new coaching team, with a completely different approach but have lost several influential players from last season. It takes time building and influencing a new squad and there are a number of colts and new/returning players, some of whom are yet to be seen. Including two of last years squad who are currently expecting surgery. They then lost captain and experienced second row, Chris Fox, with a back injury just before the game. The team was rearranged with several out of position. Only 8 were regular 1st team from last season and there were 6 props.

In the first 10-15 minutes York looked competitive. Were fronting up and had some chances, even took the lead with a penalty. Gradually though, West Leeds started to take the upper hand. York went quiet and started to lose the physical battle. Set pieces started to falter and defense creaked. There were several occasions when York did move the ball about and found gaps,only to knock on or pass it forward. Their only try was well taken and they then appeared [too late] to pick up their game and pressure the try line. A couple more tries might well have improved the score line but on the day the better team won.