York started this season’s campaign with an emphatic win over league newcomers Acklam. There have been many changes made both on and off the field during the close season, and much more work needed to be done, however there is considerable expectation of the Clifton Park out fit this year having already beaten beaten local rivals Pocklington & Malton & Norton, who play a league higher than York, in pre-season games. Whilst there will be many more difficult games awaiting York this season, the way they put Acklam to the sword on Saturday afternoon, shows that, that expectation may not be wrong placed.
The writing was on the wall for Acklam as early as the 5th minute when full back, Nixon crossed for what would be the first of his 4 tries of the afternoon. Downey added the conversion. Two more tries in quick succession followed through Enslin & Nixon, both converted by Downey. 21 nil 0 after 15 mintutes. More try’s soon followed from Cakaunitabua, Kerr, and Nixon who completed his hat trick on 25 minutes, Downey converting the former. Acklam could not cope with the speed and cutting edge prowess of Nixon, Downey, Nicholson and veteran winger Cakaunitabua. Before halftime Potrykus, Downey & Atkin added further, with Downey converting twice. York where playing some expansive and exciting rugby, and the interchange passing between forwards and backs was of the highest order. Kerr in the back row was all over the field, his support play and ball carrying was of the highest order. The forward domination had enabled the backs to run riot. Half time saw York leading 59 Nil. Acklam had hardly been in the York half thus far.
The second half saw 5 further tries through Kay, Nicholson, Nixon, Downey & Kerr, Downey converting 3 to take his personal tally to 28 points. York made several changes in the second half and inevitably given the ease at which victory had been achieved took their foot off the gas in the closing stages, which allowed Acklam to gain their sole score after 88 minutes.
This had been a good all round team performance against indifferent opposition, there is a saying in sport “that you can only play what is put in front of you”, York did that with great determination and spirit, coaches Sean Bass & Peter Clegg have an exciting unit of players to work with here, and if this seasons early promise can continue into the coming months and we can remain injury free, then maybe just maybe successful times may once again return to Clifton Park.