York travelled to Gateshead for the final game in the group section of the RFU Intermediate Cup. York included 2 more players from last years successful colts side with Harry Taylor making his first start on the wing and Oscar Bell on the bench.

From the kick off York took the ball cleanly and played controlled rugby, keeping possession and moving Gateshead around the pitch. On 12 minutes Shane Goulding picked up from the base of a scrum and crashed over with George Davies converting. Following a successful penalty from Davies, the York backs and forwards combined to put Josh Parker over in the corner 0-15 after 25 minutes. Gateshead now enjoyed a period of possession and started to threaten the York line, only for them to knock on allowing York to run the full length of the pitch for Jon Dawes to score. Conversion missed. The final play of the half saw York put together another flowing move for Sam Forbes to score and George Davies convert 0-27 at half time.

At half time York emptied the bench and the second half started in similar fashion to the first with York dominating possession. Despite their dominance York maintained their shape passing the ball well and scoring a further 8 tries through Chris Fox, Shane Goulding, Harry Taylor on debut, Sam Forbes, Dan Coe his first of the season, Toby Atkin, Jon Dawes, and Luke Stockton. Jon Dawes added 7 conversions. Gateshead never gave up and scored a consolation try with the last play of the game making the final score 5-81.

Harry Taylor made an excellent debut with Oscar Bell impressing from the bench. York now progress to the knock out stages with a home tie against Bowdon next week.

The welcome given by the Gateshead RFC club officials and supporters cannot be praised highly enough. Along with a match that was without 'niggle' and cards of any colour, it was truly representative of the game of rugby.