York travelled to 4th placed Scarborough expecting a tough examination made all the more difficult with their extensive injury list.

In a game which ebbed and flowed, York started on the front foot. After a sustained period of pressure, York won a penalty which was kicked to the corner. From the line out York drove over with Liam Hessay scoring the try. John Dawes missed a difficult conversion in the swirling wind. From the kick off, York collected the ball and the backs spread the ball; George Davies cut back inside and raced in under the posts from 40m, Dawes adding the conversion to make 0-12 on 8 minutes.It was now Scarborough’s turn to enjoy some possession and show the pace they have in their back line. Two quick tries from Wakeham and Anderson with a conversion from Mitchell tied the game up at 12-12 after 18 minutes. Under normal circumstances you would have expected the game to calm down, but not today with Core going over for the home side under the posts, 19-12.York now managed to retain possession and after some controlled play, Shane Goulding went over in the corner to bring the score back to 19-17. York were clearly on top in the scrum, however the period just before half time was decisive. York’s hooker and captain Ross White suffered an arm injury leaving the pitch and Luke Stockton then received a yellow card. Undaunted, York were back on the attack with Rich Downey powering over in the corner, John Dawes added a difficult conversion to take York into a 19-24 Half Time lead.

Starting the second half without White and Stockton had clearly affected the York set piece and Scarborough took advantage, playing some excellent attacking rugby while controlling possession. In a 25 minute period Scarborough ran in 4 unanswered tries to take them into a 43-24 lead. The travelling support were now fearing the final 15 minutes – however, the York forwards suddenly started to retain possession and control play. The York backs now had a platform to play and took advantage; a simple passing move at pace allowed Liam Hessay to score in the right corner. From the kick off, York were straight back at Scarborough. Another searing move from the backs sent Gareth Singleton over on the left wing quickly followed by a third try in 8mins scored by John Dawes. Dawes added 2 conversions and with 3mins to go the score was 43-43. Scarborough were not finished though and right at the death they grabbed the winning score.

Both teams will point to numerous missed tackles however the more positive approach would be to congratulate both teams on some outstanding attacking rugby.

2 points for York maintained their position at the top of the league on points difference from Scarborough, both teams having gained promotion from Yorkshire 1 last season. Next week York entertain Cleckheaton hoping to have some players back from the treatment room and Scarborough travel to Pocklington.