York’s season continued today after a Christmas break - Preston Grasshoppers were the first visitors to Clifton Park in 2022. The established Hoppers are promotion candidates, they’ve only lost twice so far this season. They are a solid outfit and a supporter’s coach joined the team for the journey. York have been steady in their first season back in the North Premier division, they are currently mid-table. This afternoon, Joe Maud partnered Archie Fothergill in the second row with Freddie Smith providing another line-out option playing at blind-side flanker. Will Kinnersley was part of the first-team squad as back-row rotation. Toby Atkin was the scrum-half with Declan Cusack at fly-half. The pitch was soft after seasonal rain, but not boggy. The Preston forwards were well-built and experienced with a number of county caps amongst their eight. The York pack was a mix of youth and experience and as the game developed, they were working hard and making plenty of tackles. Sam Taylor, Angus Barrick and Liam Hessay were the back three for York. Given space, they looked threatening.

York earned a couple of try-scoring opportunities. A driving maul with momentum towards the try-line was ruled illegal. A forceful run by Joe Maud together with support in the loose from Archie Fothergill put York in the corner again. Defensive pressure kept York out. Hoppers’ fly-half, Alex Ward, broke the deadlock when he kicked a penalty after twenty minutes. Preston looked to have the potential to recycle the ball and roll forward but York were able to force errors and break up their possession. York were penalised again and Alex Ward doubled Preston’s lead with another accurate penalty kick. York replied just before half-time. After winning a penalty they went to the same corner of the pitch as before. This time they were successful. A dart-like line out throw from York captain, Ross White, set up a driving maul which Preston couldn’t stop, No8 Shane Goulding getting the touch down. The wide conversion was missed and the interval arrived with the game in the balance, York 5 Preston Grasshoppers 6.

Preston applied pressure to open the second half. The York defence initially kept the visitors out. Alex Ward missed a penalty and when awarded another opportunity, he kicked the ball to York’s defensive corner. The Hoppers drove the ball over the York line with captain, Christian Taylor getting the try. The conversion was good, putting them two scores ahead. York stayed in the fight and endeavoured to take advantage of a Preston yellow card. The visitor’s defence and stout set-piece kept York at bay though. With a foray into the York half, Alex Ward kicked three more points to extend their lead.Despite their continued endeavour, York didn’t reduce the deficit. The game finished York 5 Preston Grasshoppers 16.

Having won the home fixture convincingly in September, York travel to play Rossendale next Saturday.