York entertained Morpeth at Clifton Park on a perfect day for rugby with their injury hit squad stretched to the limit; York started the day in second place on points difference and a close encounter was expected. 19 year old Harry Jinks made his league debut on the wing with new signing Ben Dent, on the other flank. Returning prop Will Norris, started on the bench.

York kicked off into the breeze, both teams enjoyed periods of possession threatening each other’s line but defences were on top, coupled with one or two missed opportunities which left the score blank after 20 mins. Finally York managed to put some good phases of play together threatening the Morpeth line. After 10 minutes of pressure, Morpeth conceded a penalty which Jon Dawes converted for a 3-0 lead. It was now Morpeth’s turn to control the ball with York conceding a string of penalties in midfield. Morpeth’s fly half Hornby was making good ground with his touch kicks and after 33mins Morpeth won another kickable penalty which was pulled wide. 3 minutes later Hornby had another chance after York were penalised for a knee high, high tackle and Hornby made no mistake 3-3. From the kick off York went straight back on the attack and were soon awarded another penalty 30m out which Jon Dawes converted for a 6-3 lead. Morpeth spent the final 5 minutes camped on the York line, however excellent defence by the whole York team kept Morpeth at bay. 3 mins into overtime Campbell Thomson secured a superb turnover 3m from the York line to end the half.

Morpeth started the second half the way they had finished the first, dominating possession and putting York under prolonged pressure. York’s defence was again strong but after 48mins, Morpeth crashed over under the posts for a converted try 6-10 to Morpeth. York seemed unable to gain control of the ball with the Morpeth pack dominating possession. After 55 mins, Hornby added another penalty taking Morpeth into a 6-13 lead. York introduced their bench and this seemed to have the desired effect. The forwards started to control the ball allowing Atkin and Hessay to bring the York backs into the game; several good moves were met with equally strong Morpeth defence, however the pressure was starting to build. A penalty in midfield was kicked deep into touch by Hessay giving York a 5m line out. A good catch and drive saw Norris crash over with Dawes converting to tie the scores 13-13 with 11 minutes left. Morpeth came back at York winning a penalty in front of the posts for off side. Hornby converted 13-16 with 7 mins left on the clock. York were now to dominate possession for the remainder of the game, hammering at the Morpeth defence. Atkin made several quick sniping runs making good ground but never quite breaking through the defence. Finally with 2 mins to go York won a penalty 30m out which the ever dependable Jon Dawes converted to tie the scores at 16-16. From the kick off, York put the ball dead to end a very enjoyable game contested by two good sides and played in great spirit.

Next week York travel to West Leeds in a league where 8 points cover the top 8 sides.