With a snow covered pitch, the game may have been in doubt, but the snow was lying on a soft, safe, playable pitch. The snow was cleared from the lines, and Brods were invited to come and play. The referee was happy, game on. Thanks to those who helped clear the lines.

York had a late cry off from Willem Enslin; he had tweaked a hamstring on Thursday evening, Joe Maud taking over at the base of the scrum. Joe rising to the challenge, driving well, steering the driving maul and scoring 4 tries, with the more than able assistance of his fellow forwards.

York played down the hill in the first half; Dawes opened the York account with a penalty on 4 minutes. Ten minutes later Maud scored from a driven maul, moving 25m, scoring 5m from the left touch line, Dawes adding the extras. 10-0.

York’s forward presence increased, with a scrum taken against the head, and a good sequence of open play leads to Maud’s second try. Conversion missed.

Brods were playing their part in the game, they were not giving up, they had a good 10 minute period mid-way through the half. However York’s tight driven game was unleashed again, going 25m Maud’s hat trick was in the bag, Dawes added the conversion 22 – 0, he then kicked a penalty. One minute from half time Brods made it 25 – 7 with a converted try, they were still full of fight.

York mixed up their game, trying to get the backs, into the game as often as possible. With the quick backs not being able to take full advantage, condition underfoot not made for running rugby. Whilst not freezing it was very cold, come on ref get the game going again.

Second half, York’s forwards won a scrum deep in their half, the ball was driven up the touch line passed into Billy, who gained good ground. York were pressurising the Brods line, Brods clear their ground from a freekick, awarded for early engagement at the scrum.

Maud got his 4th try and the bonus point, 12minutes into the half, conversion missed by Pete Martin. Five minutes later Brod scored another converted try, from some enterprising play, after taking a tap penalty. 30 – 14.

James Arkle made a good sniping run, to feed Mark Benson, taking the game from the York 22 to half way.

The final York try coming from another driven maul, this time Thorpe crossing the whitewash, conversion missed. Final score 35 – 14.

It was good to see 2 teams making the most of less than ideal conditions, an entertaining game. Eddie Bradshaw, Billy and Pete Martin trying to get some penetration, but the Brods defence holding out. Maud having taken up the challenge with Enslin side lined, seemed to do his own work and that of his missing colleague, Maud being my man of the match.