Rossendale RUFC 16 v 15 York RUFC
Match Report by Huw Kane

After leaving a very foggy and cold York it was a pleasant surprise to arrive to a very warm welcome from the Rossendale club, they had even arranged perfect playing conditions; the sunshine was warm (initially at least!), very little wind and the ground looked in good condition. The travelling York faithful eagerly anticipated an elusive away win, the team having convincingly beaten Rossendale at home and performed well against Preston the week before. However, the oft used phrase “you can’t take any game for granted in this league” proved true yet again.

A strong return by Willem Enslin from the Rossendale kick off set the scene for the opening quarter where York dominated territory and possession, much of the game in Rossendale’s 22. Despite Rossendale fielding a front row of sizable proportions, York dominated the scrum driving Rossendale back on their own ball and creating all sorts of pressure for their half backs and creating a platform for York to attack from. Despite the pressure, Rossendale managed to keep York out Cusack missing an early penalty opportunity after 5 minutes.
On a rare sally into the York half after a missed first up tackle, Rossendale won a penalty that enabled them to open the scoring after 17 minutes of constant York pressure; 3-0. Having weathered the early storm, Rossendale started to construct attacking positions more frequently and the momentum swayed with solid running, consistent recycling of the ball and kicking behind the line keeping York turning. The game more evenly balanced now Rossendale quickly extended their lead to 6-0 with another penalty.

York responded well pulling back the deficit with a penalty of their own from Liam Hessay, 6-3, before a clever break from Cusack and quick recycling took them to the Rossendale line. Maud made a mighty effort to get his body and the ball across the line but was held up short; scrum five to York. A series of scrums followed with York going for the pushover try. Each attempt was frustrated by Rossendale seemingly wheeling the scrum but not getting penalised. A little more composure and patience to mount the second drive may have seen York converting their effort but they chose to pick up from No.8 and Rossendale managed to hold them out despite losing one of their pack to a yellow card in the process. To add salt to the wound, Rossendale added another penalty to make it 9-3 at half time.

York restarted in lively mood. Quick phase ball, clean hands and simple draw and pass put Elliot clear to cross wide on the right. A magnificent conversion attempt by Hessay hit the post. 9-8 Rossendale. Rossendale dominated a lot of the second half, made all the easier by unforced errors from York allowing pressure on them to be relieved or giving them good field position. Rossendale’s weight in the pack eventually having its impact, York were always on the back foot but defended stoutly; Rossendale didn’t look like scoring but then neither did York. More composure on the ball, patience in their build up and better decision making would have seen York comfortably on top. It didn’t seem to translate from the training field unfortunately.

Despite their unconvincing performance, York played their get out of jail free card late in the game with a lovely pass inside to Simpson from Cusack setting up another attacking ruck on the 22 m line. Quick ball and clean hands gave Elliot his second try of the afternoon, ably converted by Hessay. Rossendale 9 York 15. Eight minutes left, just need to manage the game to the final whistle, play the game out in the Rossendale half – those on the touchline were of one mind. Unfortunately, the thoughts didn’t seem to transfer to the team. It was all Rossendale from here on in. The remainder of the game played in the York half. Good recycling enabled Rossendale to mount wave after wave of attack setting up their lively left wing. York kept them out. It was tense. How much injury time were we playing? Eventually, Rossendale set up their wing to get him over in the far left corner. 14-15. The Rossendale kicker had been consistent but not successful at the longer kicks. He made no mistake with this. The ball sailed between the posts, the referee’s final whistle blew. Rossendale celebrated; York hung their heads in anguish.

It was a fair result on the day that reflected the share of play. York were ultimately undone by their error rate and lack of composure and game management. Lee Denham, the first team coach, summed it up well after the game – “the best side on the field won – we beat ourselves”.