On a grey but dry day in Halifax, York were determined to put last week’s Cup disappointment behind them as they sought to take another important step towards promotion. Certainly the underfoot conditions, although soft, bore no resemblance to the atrocious playing surface of last week and York seemed happy as they faced the first 40 minutes playing up the infamous Hipperholme slope.

After a scrappy first exchange with failed touch kicks and a Brods knock on, York embarked on some scintillating attacking play culminating in scrum half Toby Atkin touching down under the posts. Jon Dawes added the conversion. ( 0-7 ). From the restart York attacked again through multiple hands with Chris Fox and Lewis Hannibal prominent and only desperate Brods defence kept York out.It took well over 10 mins before Brods made an incursion down the slope into York territory and although York defended well, after moving the point of attack both ways across the slope, prop forward Pritchett crossed for a good try. The conversion failed. ( 5-7). With the restart kick going straight into touch the initiative was handed back to Brods who forced York back down the slope, but a good clearance kick by Atkin followed by a Brods knock on, saw the pressure released and York stepped up the flowing rugby. Both Sam Potrykus and Marc Benson drove strongly before skipper Sam Forbes finished off a flowing movement with a fine try near the posts. The conversion hit the post so the score remained at ( 5-12).From the restart, Liam Hessay found a fine touch and when Brods failed to throw in to the referee’s satisfaction, York looked set to press on. However, Brods secured loose ball on the ground, kicked forward and when York were penalised for offside, again Brods went for the corner. Despite stalwart defence, Brods left wing Gaughan eventually crossed, way out left. Again the conversion was missed. ( 10-12).York’s scrummage was beginning to gain an edge and the backs were running strongly. Skipper Forbes drove well, saw No 8 Joe Maud continue the movement before putting winger Rob Hodges in behind the posts. Dawes converted. ( 10-19 ). It was one way traffic at this point with Fox and Hannibal prominent, which saw scrum half Atkin over the line close to the posts. Dawes again converted (10-26) and concluded a very strong first half performance by York.

York, now playing down the slope, saw Brods penalised almost immediately, resulting in York camping in the home 22 area. With the York scrum gaining ascendancy and the strong bench being introduced, the ball travelled out to left wing Gareth Singleton who crossed in the corner. The conversion was missed. (10-31).At this point, Brods really did dig in and showed a great deal of character. They subjected the York defence to a torrid examination. The home side did however contribute to their own difficulties due to losing line outs and conceding penalties and knock-ons. However, Brods were on the front foot and eventually standoff Cole was overlapping for a converted try. ( 17-31).Although York had not really taken advantage of the slope, their defence was fairly secure and eventually on the back of successive penalties, they found themselves close to the home side’s line. A good rolling maul, followed by a fine Chris Peace drive, saw Shane Goulding going over under the posts for a good team try. Dawes converted (17-38).York would have added to their tally but for a forward pass before Brods again worked their way up the slope and when York were penalised, stand off Cole crossed again for a well deserved but unconverted try. ( 22-38 )

York’s promotion drive is still on target with this enjoyable and well earned bonus point win. Old Brodleians also secured a bonus point which was well deserved.