York welcomed West Leeds to Clifton Park with several players returning to action after long term injuries. In a very competitive league, victory would make York safe from relegation.

From the kick off, West Leeds secured possession and put York under pressure with good ball retention and direct running at the York defence. Eventually the pressure told and West Leeds scored under the posts for a 7-0 lead. Shortly after, West Leeds had the opportunity to increase their lead but the penalty was missed.

Fifteen minutes into the game, York finally gained possession and started to attack the West Leeds defence, led by some powerful running from Joe Maud. It was no surprise when Maud broke through the defence and scored for York. Liam Hessay adding the conversion.
Straight from the kick off, Fox won the ball and good passing from the York backs put Shane Goulding over in the corner with Hessay adding the conversion. York were now in control, dominating the ball and playing some good attacking rugby. Further tries from Toby Atkin and Joe Maud, both converted by Hessay, sent York in at half time with a 28-10 lead and the try bonus point secured.

York started the second half well until West Leeds scored an interception try and took control of the ball for a 10 minute period. Strong running from their back row was rewarded with another try bringing the score back to 28-20 after 52 mins. York regrouped and went back to basics - retaining the ball and going through phases working their way up the pitch. The pressure on the West Leeds defence was beginning to show and two successive penalties converted by Hessay took York into a 34-20 lead.

With 20 minutes remaining, York were playing their best rugby for several weeks with forwards and backs combining to create numerous scoring opportunities. York soon added two further tries from Lewis Hannibal and Shane Goulding with Hessay adding both conversions. York continued to attack and the final score was another penalty from Hessay taking the final score to 51-20.

This was a welcome return to form for York with a good team performance. Joe Maud and Shane Goulding were excellent in attack, backed up by 21 point from the boot of Hessay. Also, Chris Fox played the full 80 minutes only 10 weeks after donating a kidney to his sister. With more players due back next week, York will be looking for a strong finish to the season.