York entertained Bowdon in the quarter final of the RFU Intermediate Cup at Clifton Park on Saturday. Joe Maud, Liam Hessay, Gareth Singleton and Rob Hodges returned to the starting 15.

In perfect conditions York kicked off and immediately put Bowdon under pressure with some controlled rugby, after 5 minutes the ball was worked out to the right and a well-timed pass from Will Atkin put Gareth Singleton in for the first try, conversion missed 5-0. From the kick off York went straight back into the Bowdon half and were awarded a penalty for off side which was missed. This seemed to stir Bowdon into action and they started to play some good rugby, retaining possession, working their way up the pitch resulting in a penalty which they converted 5-3 after 15 minutes. York responded from the kick off and a powerful break from Joe Maud released Will Atkin to race over for York’s second try, conversion missed 10-3 to York. Bowdon responded well and enjoyed a sustained period of possession with their backs looking dangerous. From a scrum 5m out, Bowdon scored to make the score 10-8 with the conversion missed. Almost straight from the kick off, Rob Hodges broke 50m to open up the Bowdon defence only for his final pass to be dropped 10m from the line. Bowdon again responded well and won a penalty which was kicked to take them into a 10-11 lead 3 minutes from half time. Just enough time for York to secure their 3rd try through Toby Atkin, conversion missed, 15-11 to York at the end of a competitive first half.

York were now playing with a strong wind at their backs and good kicking from hand by Liam Hessay and John Dawes was forcing play deep into the Bowdon half. The rugby from both sides was not as free flowing as the first half with numerous minor injuries and refereeing decisions, breaking up play. York continued to gain good field position from penalties, only for the line out to be lost. The windy conditions were proving difficult for both the hookers throwing in and the goal kickers from both sides. York eventually put some phases of play together and a long pass from Liam Hessay opened up the defence for the excellent Shane Goulding to score under the posts, John Dawes converting. 22-11 to York. A successful Jon Dawes penalty then ended the scoring.York proceeded to manage the game through to the final whistle using the wind to keep Bowdon in their own half.

Final score 25-11, and a semi-final against the winners of the Midlands Division on Easter Saturday. Next week York return to league action with a home game against Keighley.