The reaction of the players as the referee blew the final whistle to end the game 22 – 21 in favour of Pavior’s summed up the game entirely. Pavior’s delighted and astounded that they had somehow managed to secure a victory; York, dumbfounded, bewildered and gutted they hadn’t put the game out of sight despite the territory and possession they had.

York took some time to find their way into the game: lack of ownership of the high ball, unforced handling errors and a missed penalty characterised the opening ten minutes before Westaby took matters into his own hands with a powerful drive in the scrum that the Pavior’s tight head won’t want to dwell on after the game, forcing the penalty to York. The conversion by Davies seemed to settle the nerves. Pavior’s 0, York 3. York started to create some tempo with Enslin prominent going forward, the effervescent Atkin feeding quick ball to Cusack who dipped into his tool kit to kick for good position or release strong running in the middle of the field by centres and forwards resulting in two good tries in the first half, to one from Pavior’s.

The first came from a penalty to York on their own 22m line. The safe kick down the line into touch was not taken by Cusack who had spotted the winger out of position and space in the Pavior’s 22 m area. Tapping to himself, he kicked deep for Atkinson to run on to, Pavior’s winger had to turn but Atkinson showed a good turn of pace to win the footrace before having to control the bobbling ball less than a metre from the line and the corner flag. He showed good awareness and skill to control his speed, pick up cleanly and dive over to ground the ball. Conversion missed York leading 0-8. The second try came shortly after the first. Cusack switching the play on the half way line, released Fothergill on a straight line who carried strongly to attract the remaining defence before slipping the ball to Barrick who crossed on the left. Conversion missed, not a day for the kickers seemingly with neither side having much success. York lead 0-13 after 20 minutes.

Pavior’s continued to work hard and started to come back into the game, their lineout functioning well and their forwards proving quite a handful to contain at times. Pavior’s reduced the York lead to six points scoring from a driving maul. Converted by fly half Billam. York ended the first half looking lethargic, their error rate increasing. The Pavior’s side forcing mistakes growing in confidence and creating opportunities in the three quarters with some good looping creating overlaps with only desperate cover defence from York keeping them out. Half time: Pavior's 7, York 13.

A confident catch by Sam Croft from the kick off started York’s second half with more energy and effort putting them on the front foot. Good interplay between forwards and backs quickly took them to the Pavior’s line where sustained pressure enabled Enslin to cross for a try to take the lead to 7 – 18 in York’s favour. This energy level didn’t last, the game becoming quite scrappy with both sides making mistakes. York camped for long periods in Pavior’s territory but frustratingly couldn’t convert their territory to points, unforced errors allowing Pavior’s to relieve the pressure. Pavior’s however, seemed to make their infrequent forays count ultimately scoring three tries to win the second half and the game. Their first was scored by right wing Flint who took advantage of the overlap created to cross in the corner after good work by the forwards had set up an attacking field position following receipt of the York goal line drop out. A penalty by Davies took the game to a nine-point difference in favour of York; Pavior’s 12, York 21. A safe position for York one may have thought with ten minutes left in the game, York seemingly camped in the opposition half and Pavior’s needing to score twice.

A penalty conceded by York allowed Pavior’s to gain field position with the boot. Fly half Billam, who wouldn’t look out of place in the back row given his size, was threatening until a crunching tackle by Atkinson stopped him in his tracks. The sound of the tackle reverberated around the ground, testimony to the power and momentum in the contact; neither player getting up for some moments after it. Despite the power of the tackle, Billam managed to release the ball with centre Kelly eventually working hard to get across the line. 17-21 in favour of York.

Less than a minute left, York line out in the Pavior’s 22m area. Surely we would hold out? A poorly executed line out at the back of the line allowed Pavior’s to collect the loose ball midfield and counter attack through the hands initially before kicking deep into the York half. Right wing Rimmington showed good pace to get to the ball first. Under pressure still from the York cover, he kicked on, managing to ground the ball before it went dead. Try Pavior’s! Conversion missed, no time for restart, game over. Final score Pavior’s 22, York 21.

How did we lose that? The question on supporters, coaching staff and the players lips. Something no-one could answer at the time. No doubt the video footage will tell its tale. York played at times with tempo, accuracy, structure and composure that would suggest they are better than their position in the league but their concentration and energy levels were inconsistent, looking slow and lethargic for periods of the game. Sandal at home next week. Opposition that will focus the minds and provide opportunity to redress today’s performance.