York were clear at the top of the league going in to the game against mid-table Bradford & Bingley. It’s factual that the visitors have seen players leave during the season.York named a consistent eighteen with Chris Fox and Luke Stockton in the second-row, Toby Atkin and Declan Cusack at scrum-half and fly-half, and Liam Hessay at full-back. Joe Maud continues his rehabilitation and rotated with flankers Oscar Bell and Joe Simpson. John Aikman, Ross White and Will Scholey were the front-row, as usual, with Will Fordy and Jonny Frank in the centres. Rob Hodges and Sam Forbes were the wingers. Shane Goulding played at number Eight whilst Dan Coe was a front-row replacement. Joel Bradley, a debutant, provided cover for the backs.

York chose to play with a very strong, cold wind at their backs in the first-half. The opening ten minutes of the game were sound. York played quickly and used their full fifteen. Declan ensured territorial advantage with a great kick. Against the wind, Bradford kept the ball in hand and put in work to grind the ball back to midfield. After a turnover though, York passed their way around the defence and Oscar Bell scored from a supporting line. Joe Simpson got York’s second try a few minutes later when he was on hand after Sam Forbes had made an initial line-break. All of the York backs were making running metres and plenty of chances were being created. For York’s third try, Jonny Frank committed his defender before passing to Declan who timed the final pass to Sam Forbes allowing him to score in the corner. Dec kicked a class conversion.

John Aikman got York’s bonus point try after Luke Stockton had secured a turnover. John ran it in under the posts from thirty metres. Declan added the conversion as he had done for all four of York’s tries.Declan was withdrawn from the field as was the Bradford & Bingley prop, Alex Keeton, who suffered an injury. York scored once more before half-time when they gained almost all of the ground needed through structured play and a strong set piece; Toby then passed short from a ruck to Shane Goulding who went over. 33-0 at the break.

The teams swapped ends and Bradford now had the wind behind them, the game could have changed but it didn’t. Bradford & Bingley never gave up but a very strong York team put on more points. After a pass from Jonny, Shane Goulding evaded the defence and didn’t need any of the support that was available to get his double. York retained possession and continued to attack and secure the ball. Jonny went close to scoring before Toby passed short to captain, Ross White who got the try. Bradford still competed well but their No. 8 Tom Cummins, then picked up a yellow card.

With Joel Bradley deputising at scrum-half, Toby Atkin received a pass on the wing. The defence was depleted and he was able to run it in to score York’s fiftieth point. Toby got his second try, again from the wing, a few minutes later after some accurate passing and handling from the York backs.York scored twice more as the game closed. Liam got on the outside of his defender from full-back to glide in and Luke received a bounce pass from Joe and scored the final try.

Final score York RUFC 65- Bradford & Bingley RFC 0.

A comprehensive York performance. York travel to 2nd place Cleckheaton next Saturday.