A wet but breezy day saw York’s first home fixture of the season against Consett, with both sides keen to establish themselves in the North East One division, following their promotions last season. That the York players were sporting purple hose in support of the Three Bears Foundation, in turn supporting Pancreatic Cancer UK, was an appreciated feature.

York kicked off and after an early exchange of kicks in the slippery conditions, Consett were penalised for an offside infringement and Liam Hessay put the home side ahead with a well struck penalty. ( 3-0)The restart kick failed to make the necessary 10 metres and from the resultant scrum, York’s No 9 Toby Atkin, broke well, fed skipper Ross White, who found lock forward Chris Fox who touched down for a fine try. Hessay’s conversion attempt slid just wide. (8-0).The restart kick was well taken by Joe Maud but Hessay was deemed to be outside his 22 and play settled back in York’s territory. However Consett were falling foul of the referee and after only 15 minutes they lost their full back as result of continued infringements. York however did not take advantage of the extra man and were in fact penalised for an infringement on the ground which No 10 Paulus converted. (8-3).

Some good tactical kicking saw Consett gain territory to the York 5 metre line, but the defensive line held until a good strike against the head saw York’s pack back pedalling and conceding a penalty which was converted by Paulus. (8-6).This reverse spurred York and with skipper White bursting forward and with Sam Forbes in full support they were unfortunate that the final pass to the winger went to ground. However the balance of play had shifted and when Consett were again penalised, Hessay duly converted. (11-6) From the restart Fox again secured the ball and with some enterprising play sent winger Rob Hodges away only to be stopped by No 15 Cook. However, York were now in full cry and the ever supportive Fox delivered the perfect pass for Gareth Singleton to score wide out. The conversion failed. (16-6). Half time

York started the second period with Campbell Thomson in the backrow. Consett’s kicking was now more of a defensive necessity and York in turn were pinning them back with some good tactical kicks. After one such kick, well followed up, Consett knocked on and from the scrum York moved the ball well for Singleton to crash over in the corner. An excellent Hessay conversion followed. ( 23-6) From the restart York were penalised and Consett found a good touch. Although York secured the line out they were penalised for offside and having opted for the scrummage Consett No9 Trott scuttled over for a try converted by Paulus. (23-13)

Consett made a dreadful hash of collecting the restart and a scrum ensued. After Shane Goulding picked up, he fed scrum half Atkin who scuttled up the blind side for York’s 4th (bonus point) try which Hessay converted. (30 -13). Hessay’s long kicks were putting almost continuous pressure on a tiring Consett defence. Careless infringements eg not releasing, were holding York in check but eventually the pressure told and a searing break by Forbes finally saw Goulding crash over for a try converted by Hessay. ( 37-13).
Very much against the run of play a York clearing kick was charged down and Paulus following up to touch down in the corner. The conversion failed. (37-18) As the game entered its final stages York returned to the attack with Neil McClure prominent, as he had been all afternoon, only to see his scoring pass spurned. Sam Forbes also embarked on yet another driving run only to see a further knock on by his support. Finally as the game moved to its close, skipper White showed the way and crossed the line for the final converted try. (44-18).

This was a good win in difficult conditions and showed that York are in this higher league to seriously compete.