The work done in mid-week on the training paddock to sure up the York defence that last week leaked soft tries was clearly effective. The performance was even more impressive given the number of enforced changes to the squad due to injury niggles and unavailability.

The local derby always provides a passionate encounter and today’s game was no different, as an early scuffle resulted in a yellow card for each side. Whilst Britlands yellow for retaliation was indeed justified, the Selby centre whose fist made contact with Britlands face in clear view of the referee was lucky to escape with a yellow, a more stringent or confident referee might have shown a red. As the game settled, York managed to gain some possession and release their wide players. A second break by the influential captain Fox released Rutherford who showed neat hands to Atkins on the wing who cut back inside and popped the ball on the overlap to Davies who scores. Dawes adding the first of 5 very good conversions, York were 7 – 0 to the good.

Whilst the game was a little loose at times as neither side managed to secure full tactical control over proceedings, the York scrum was a constant threat, giving York clean possession on their own ball as well as some of Selby’s. Although the scrum was a positive, the number of penalties given away wasn’t and if it were not for the Selby kicker, who was unable to convert from in front of the posts on at least three occasions, the score would have been closer earlier on in the game. York’s second try came from centre Chris Peace, who is now displaying what sort of player he is. The two seasons away from rugby are being shaken off as Peace stamps his authority on the way York play. Chris stole the ball from a Selby player deep in the York half and showed good pace to run in the try. Dawes missing his only conversion, York’s lead stretched to 12 – 0.

York tried to increase their advantage and camp out in Selby’s 22 and keep the score board moving. Some of the Selby player’s motivation was clearly waning as the pressure increased and the tighthead prop (who had spent much of the last 10 minutes loitering between wing and centre) was replaced. York should have converted their advantage earlier as a series of pick and drives were spoilt, the ball lost and Selby awarded the scrum on their own line. The York pack showed good spirit and physical dominance by stealing the ball from Selby and controlling the scrum to march over the line, scrum half Johnson dotting down. With the conversion, the score read 19 – 0. York should have maintained this lead into the halftime break but allowed Selby some consolation as a loose pass from Johnson gifted the home team with possession deep in the York 22. Selby then drew a penalty as York in fringed at the breakdown. A quick tap and go from Selby left the York defence napping and the try scored. Again, the kicker unable to add the extras, the half ended Selby 5, York 19.

York start the second half positively; a good kick-chase from Dawes gave York an attacking lineout which secured possession from a catch and drive. As the pressure built in the tight, the ever improving Blain was on hand to crash over for the all-important fourth try. Dawes with the conversion, York extended the lead to 5 – 26. York took their foot off the gas a little as Selby came back into the game in the mid period of the second half. The second Selby try came from their own catch and drive (albeit knocked on at the grounding with the referee in clear sight). A kick converted at last, Selby closed the scores to 12 – 26. Selby should have added more; a well-constructed attack self-imploded as the Selby winger chose an elaborate (and easily tackled) side-step rather than the simple hands to a three man overlap. As the game closed York regained some control and added more points. The best move of the game came as Thomson took a lineout at the tail to release quick ball for Peace who broke free and cantered up-field. Johnson was in support to continue the move but should have kept hold of the ball rather than attempting a speculative pass. Britland took advantage of another turnover scrum and picked from the base and bustled his way over the line from 30 meters out. Dawes with the extras, 12 – 33. The final try came as Dawes, now playing at 10, received the ball from a Blain turnover and started on a mazy run downfield, passing to Atkins to complete the move. Dawes completed the final of his conversions to end the game at Selby 12 – York 40.

Whilst a much improved performance, there will still be work to do mid-week before York welcome Heath to Clifton Park next week. The coaches should be rightly pleased as the work and structure developed on the training paddock is being translated to better performances on a Saturday. In particular, Peace, Blain and Thomson put in very solid shifts. Dawes had an excellent day from the boot and the ever reliable captain Fox was an assured presence throughout the game. A final mention should go to the aging Andy Kay, who was wheeled out of retirement mid-week to cover some of the enforced absentees. Although at least ten years older than the rest of the York side, Kay put in an assured and experienced performance, making a number of key tackles and adding an extra option at the lineout.