York welcomed Otley to Clifton Park for the last game of the season. The weather was dry and sunny, the ground hard and with the largest crowd of the season all was set fair for an entertaining game of rugby.

York played Otley in the opening game of the season, York remained in contention until late in the game when Otley pulled away in the final quarter to record a 33-10 win. Since then, they have only lost 2 games scoring over 1000 points and conceding only 300. A win for them would guarantee promotion and the league Championship. A very tough game for York who were still finding their feet in the league following their own promotion particularly as they were unable to put out their strongest side which was apparent in the line out which was a problem for York throughout the game. Otley are semi-professional and it showed, their forwards particularly were taller and heavier than the York pack, they were very well drilled and although York held them in the scrum, generally got over the gain line and were very adept at protecting the ball in the tackle.

From the kick off Otley dominated possession and drove into the York 22 and after 2 minutes their winger scored in the corner, 0 -5 with the conversion missed. Otley came back again from the kick off and after pressure York gave away a penalty which Otley scored, 0 -8 after 7 minutes. Otley continued to control the ball, possession, territory and the game and after 16 minutes their winger scored his second try which was converted to make the score 0-15. It was starting to look ominous for York but they stuck at it but 25 minutes had gone before they began to enjoy consistent possession and were able to spend time in the Otley half. Otley pressure in the tackle forced York mistakes which made it difficult to build momentum. York kept at it and Otley were conceding penalties and from one in the Otley 22 just before half time, York scrum half Toby Atkin took it quickly and touched down to open York’s account. Liam Hessay converted to make it 7-15 at half time.

York started the second half well with pressure resulting in a penalty after 2 minutes which Liam Hessay scored to lessen the deficit to 10-15. Any thoughts that York had of pulling off an upset disappeared 6 minutes later. In a period of 10 minutes, Otley scored 3 tries one each by their 2 big second rows who ran in after consistent pressure in the York 22 and the third by their No. 10 after slick inter passing by their backs which began in their half. Two of the three were converted making the score 10-34 after 16 minutes of the second half. Otley maintained the pressure resulting in a further try after 22 minutes by their No. 10 which was converted. The score was now 10-41.

The York supporters were fearful that further scores would follow but Otley continued to give away penalties and the referee finally lost patience and yellow carded the Otley number 4 after 24 minutes. York then started to enjoy possession and territory but any hope that York had of further scores disappeared when Luke Stockton was sent off for foul play after 32 minutes. Neither team threatened for the remainder of the game. Final Score 10-41.

York finish the season in mid table which most would have taken at the beginning of the season. It has been a steep learning curve with many games lost by the odd point or two. The team have played some lovely rugby which has been entertaining for the supporters and hopefully enjoyable for the players. All credit to the coaching staff and the players and we all look forward to next season.