After a short winter break, Yorkshire One rugby returned and York travelled to Doncaster to play Wheatley Hills. The reverse fixture in September saw York as comprehensive victors. Early January brought some sunshine and blue sky to begin the game on a soft pitch. York were able to select a strong team, Joe Maud at flanker, Steve Johnson, Kyle Consterdine and Daz Rutherford in the front row and Toby Atkin at scrum-half.

The game started and it was clear that Wheatley Hills were highly motivated and extremely determined. The Hills’ hooker and captain, Sam Kerry, defended a York attacking line-out before carrying the ball upfield. The number eight, Paul Purnell and blind-side flanker, Jamie I’Anson were aggressive in the tackles for Wheatley Hills who had early possession but York’s defence was stable. York attacked, Dan Undy, Wheatley’s second-row was shown a yellow card. York’s powerful scrum went forward and with York advancing on the try-line the scrum collapsed. York were awarded a penalty try. Wheatley Hills tried to even the scores but a penalty given to them close to York’s try-line was reversed for retaliation and the pressure was released. Toby Atkin broke from a scrum and zig-zagged ahead, he distributed the ball to Luke Stockton who fed fly-half Liam Hessay to score for York with the conversion being missed. York’s defence was solid as Wheatley Hills tried to score before half-time. Wheatley’s front row attacked and linked up - they were re-buffed initially, but Paul Purnell twisted over the line from short range to score for the home team. The conversion hit the post and rebounded out, York were seven points ahead at half-time, 5-12.

Wheatley Hills’ fly-half, Owen Gillvray, kicked a long range penalty as the second half began. 8-12. York spurned an opportunity to kick their own penalty, chose an attacking line-out but were unsuccessful. York second-rows, Chris Fox and Luke Stockton, were defending well - Luke making an important tackle and Chris holding up his attacker to prevent him from going to ground. The temperature dropped as the second half progressed and both teams made mistakes - it was a close, tough game. York and Wheatley were contesting rucks fiercely and supporters from both sides were questioning the ruck entry of the opposing team. York attacked the Wheatley line through several forward phases and with defenders attracted, winger Rob Hodges found space in the centres to burst through and score. The conversion was good. 8-19. With the match still in the balance, York flanker, Josh Parker defended well to snuff out a Wheatley attack. The pressure was released for York when number eight, Shane Goulding, powered ten metres to score their bonus point try, conversion missed. 8-24.Wheatley continued to attack with spirit, Joe Maud and Chris Fox defending against attackers. Wheatley did score through scrum-half Josh Taylor who was able to run in after a loose ball. Conversion good with York nine points ahead and time expiring. 15-24. To seal the match, York scored twice more in injury time. First Rob Hodges broke to within a metre of the Wheatley line and Steve Johnson pushed over and then Chris Fox passed to Shane Goulding to score his second try. Both tries were converted by John Dawes. Final score,15-38.

York remain unbeaten this season. It was a tough game though, both sides playing with skill, structure and commitment and congratulations to all players for taking part. York travel to 2nd place Scarborough next week, Wheatley Hills to Middlesbrough.