Although not quite Spring-like, it was calm and dry and almost perfect for rugby. York took the field with Shackleton starting at 10 and Fothergill taking over from Hayes (hamstring) at openside in a strong team, keen to exact revenge for the “last kick of the game “defeat in the reverse fixture.

York kicked off and although well taken, a poor clearance kick by Paviors saw York attacking strongly through Woffendin, who when stopped, fed Shackleton who in turn put Maud through under the posts for a lovely try, subsequently converted by Davies. (7-0 after 3 mins). The restart was taken well by York but subsequently lost in contact, giving Paviors the chance to spread the ball wide. A subsequent York interception knock on brought the first scrum which was well contested, and certainly reflected Paviors intention to “come to play”. In fact with no.12 Kelly leading the forays, Paviors were giving as good as they got, and when York were penalised for a high tackle, the subsequent penalty into the corner saw a rolling maul crash over for an unconverted try. (7-5 after 10 mins).

Shortly thereafter York’s Atkin broke, fed Fordy and in turn the rampaging Maud, but he was penalised for not releasing the ball. This decision was abruptly overturned leaving Davies an easy conversion. (10-5). This proved to be a turning point as York’s driving game was beginning to punch holes in the opponents’ defence and a lovely break saw Shackleton feed winger Ashman who crossed and touched down behind the posts. Davies converted (17-5 after 22 mins). From the restart Atkin made a lovely break, found Fothergill pounding up on his inside and only desperate defence broke up the play. However there followed a scrum and York broke blind with the impressive Barrick driving close before Paviors were again penalised. Davies converted (20-5 after 24 mins).

There followed a period where York were clearly in control, the scrum comfortably on top and if not for knocks on and some over optimistic passing, the score would have advanced in York’s favour. As it was, a fine run by full back Davies, breaking several tackles as he went, saw him feed winger Ashman who scored wide out. Davies himself converted. (27-5 after 37 mins). From the restart, Lewi Jackson, on as a tactical replacement, was seen to be rampaging up the field scattering aside Paviors defenders. York forwards were not to be denied and in the ensuing drive, scrum half Atkin pilfered what was really a forwards try. Davies again converted. ( 34-5 after 40 mins).

A half dominated by the driving forwards with just the odd vignette of back play.

During the break the Riot Act had clearly been read to the big Paviors forwards who from the off were running hard and straight and subjected York to intense pressure. The defence was good but when York did break out, a knock on saw them back on their line. Shackleton found a great relieving touch but York were then penalised for a high tackle. The kick took Paviors to the York 5 metre line and with a well drilled rolling maul Paviors were over for an excellent try which was converted from the touchline. (34-12 after 48 mins). The restart took York into opposition territory for the first time in the second half and Maud made a good break bursting past several defenders and Davies almost set Ashman clear with a clever chip ahead, but York were then penalised and Maud was sin binned, leaving the home side back in their own 22. A further York infringement and Paviors opted for the line out. A throw to the back and they were over close to the posts. (34-19 after 58 mins). Basically it had been one way traffic since half time and images of the” Disaster at Driffield” suddenly did not seem so fanciful.

Play entered a fairly scrappy phase with Paviors losing a little steam and giving away several penalties allowing Shackleton to ease the pressure with several fine kicks to touch. However when eventually York gained a penalty near the Paviors line the ball was lost. The tide had however turned and York began to tighten up and with Maud having returned, the forward unit began to dominate again. A fine penalty touch find by York’s no 10, led to a good passing movement which saw Fordy over for a lovely try out wide. The conversion failed. (39-19 after72 mins) but the York tide was flowing again. When Sam Elliot was illegally impeded in full flight York again went for the corner option. The rolling maul failed and ended in a slight melee, for which York were penalised, but Paviors were unable to take any territorial advantage. York were on top and with minutes to go it really was a case of who, where and when another score would occur. It was the hard working Fothergill who capped an excellent afternoon with a 30 yard dash to score an unconverted try. (44-19 just short of full time)

All in all an excellent afternoon for York. The successive wins sees them climb one place in the league table but the 7th position now held does not reflect the quality of play this side can produce!!