York travelled to Consett knowing that victory would take them up to 6th place and 15 points clear of the relegation zone in a very tight league. Chris Peace returned at inside centre after a 4 month injury absence and 4 nineteen year old's were included in the match day squad - reinforcing York’s commitment to home grown talent.

Consett kicked off and York immediately went on the attack with controlled rugby in the Consett half. On a small pitch, space was at a premium and York had to work hard to create opportunities. Will Scholey and Daz Rutherford we’re carrying well, with forwards and backs combining to build pressure. After 15 minutes, York finally broke through. Twelve phases of play allowed the York backs to spread the play wide to Rob Hodges who finished brilliantly stepping the first defender while handing off a second to touch down. On a difficult day for goal kicking, the conversion was missed. From the restart York continued to attack a resolute Consett defence. From a scrum on the Consett 22, York executed a training ground move for Hodges to score his second with Jon Dawes adding the conversion. Consett finally enjoyed some possession in the visitor’s half and started to put pressure on York. Freddie Smith was tackling well and Liam Hessay pushed Consett back into their own half with some controlled kicking from hand in a swirling wind. After 31 mins York secured their 3rd try. 19 phases of play wore the Consett defence down and Toby Atkin darted in for the try with Dawes adding the conversion. 0-19 after 31 minutes. From the restart Consett regained possession and a good move allowed them to score a converted try. On the stroke of half time York’s injury jinx struck again with Jon Dawes suffering a serious ankle injury. 7-19 HT.

The second half started with Sam Elliott replacing Dawes. Hessay moved to fullback with Elliott playing 10. It didn’t take him long to announce his arrival. From a scrum on the Consett 22, Elliott spotted a flat defence - chipping the ball through, he showed good pace to beat the covering players to the ball and touch down. Hessay added the conversion. 7- 26.Lewis Jackson and Oscar Bell joined the action. With the wind at their backs, Consett were not finished and started to attack the York defence. A powerful driving maul resulted in their second converted try bringing the score back to 14-26.Both teams were now playing some attractive end to end rugby. On 60mins an excellent move by the York backs allowed Sam Forbes to break through - drawing the last defender before passing to Hessay who scored wide on the left. Conversion missed, 14-31. It was now Consett’s turn to score another converted try, before Hessay collected Elliott’s pass on halfway and burst through the Consett defence. A straightforward off load to Forbes put him in for his first try of the season. There was just time for Consett to secure their bonus point try after a lovely inside pass from Dougie Patterson opened up the York defence.

Final score Consett RUFC 28 v York RUFC 36.

Next week York welcome Huddersfield YMCA to Clifton Park.