York did all but win this game, with Jon Dawes back in their ranks, delivering 25 points from the boot at 90% success rate, there is a need to turn field pressure into points from tries.

YM opened the scoring with a clean centre break through the middle of the York defence, scoring under the posts, conversion a given, 5 minutes gone.

Dawes then kicking 2 penalties, to bring the score to 6-7, Joe Kirker being sin binned for what was deemed a shoulder charge. With York defending their line close to the left touch line, Steve Kerr’s efforts to drive the ball to touch, were rewarded with a penalty try to YM for illegal entry into the loose play. Score 6-14.
York were using the ball well but could not penetrate the YM defence, Maud and Enslin driving hard, with the need for either better support, or a quick off load, to take full advantage.

Dawes kicking another penalty. Now for a good intelligent phase of the game for York, attacking towards the left, Billy having 2 players to beat, side footed a kick towards the YM posts, for Kirker to run on to and score a try, Dawes adding the extras. 16-14, half time.

The second half starting as the first, YM scoring a converted try within 5 minutes of the restart.

York attacking the YM line were awarded a penalty try, for what can only be described a professional foul, YM player sin binned for intentional offside at the ruck.

Dawes adding 3 more penalties, and YM a converted try.

Last 5 minutes of the game, score 32-28, now for Dawes’s last 3 points of the game, 35-28. Last 2 minutes, York don’t get out of their 22, from the kick off, not defending the full width of the pitch. YM score a try on the 15m line, please miss the conversion, no they didn’t, scores even, final whistle.

Good to have Dawesy back, but we need to convert field pressure and territory into points and be steadfast in defence.