Match Report by Huw Kane

Storm Arwen may have left many wondering whether to chance the drive to Blackburn but it was well worth the effort for those who made it to Ramsgreave Drive. Nestled in the Ribble Valley overlooked by the snow capped Bowland Hills with a chill wind blowing from the north it was a great setting for a great game of rugby between two sides who were matched closer than the result would suggest.

The opening of the game saw both sides settling into their styles of play with probing attacks well met each way; Blackburn trying to create a mismatch using their big forwards running off 10 and 12 to create momentum, York moving the ball well between forwards and backs. Both sides competing well at the breakdown.Blackburn broke the deadlock after 8 minutes. A penalty took Blackburn into the corner for a line out 5m from the York line. A clean catch and drive held up by York created the platform for Blackburn to roll down the left side and score in the corner. Gaffey converted, 7-0 first blood to Blackburn.Blackburn had the lion’s share of territory and possession in the first half. McHugh and Brookes together with Richardson using their size and power to make good ground up the middle. Blackburn’s recycling of the ball was quick and enabled them to release their speedy backs against a defensive line that was still reorganising. York by contrast were struggling to create quick ball; their offensive effort was a bit static and the slow ball gave Blackburn plenty of time to organise.

Taylor always threatening with his pace down the left hand side, faced with three defenders he rightly chose to keep the attack alive by kicking into the middle of the field. Unfortunately, York didn’t have enough players supporting the play. Full back Jarrold collected the ball on his 22 for Blackburn and made good ground in the counter attack before releasing his wing, Foster, who managed to elude Sam Elliot’s defensive effort before offloading back inside to the supporting Jarrold who scored. 28 minutes gone, Blackburn ahead 14-0. Blackburn added another try shortly after following relentless forward pressure.York were not out of it. Moving the ball well Taylor was once again on the attack. His shimmy inside his opposite number resulted in a desperate trailing arm which caught Taylor high. Clearly no malice intended but the referee had no option but to give him ten minutes to reflect on the subtle change of direction that had put him there. Moments later, well taken lineout ball by Simpson, strong driving by the York pack took them to the Blackburn 22 and enough time for Cusack (he doesn’t need much) to float a lovely pass out to Joe Maud in the wide centre channel. His straight running held the space for Sam Taylor to show his pace and cross just before half time. Cusack converted 21-7 at the interval.

York started the second half with more pace and energy and were quickly pressurising the Blackburn line. The York forwards starting to have more effect and sustained pressure resulted in Maud using all his strength to reach and place the ball over the line surrounded by the opposition. There was no doubt in the referee’s mind about the try despite the pleas from the Blackburn side. 21-14. Blackburn hit back with a sustained period of pressure. Their hard running and quick recycling finished off by the pace and accuracy of their backs saw them take a commanding 42-14 lead with three tries all converted by Gaffey who was having an excellent day with the boot. York were generally defending well against the onslaught but mistakes at this level seldom go unpunished by good sides and so it was today. An intense encounter won by Blackburn who did not miss their chances when they were given them in the form of missed first up tackles, not rolling away or inaccurate kicking. York finished strongly however with tries from Simpson and Taylor both unconverted to take the game to 42 -24 before a charge down and chase gave Blackburn a final score at the whistle.

York played well against a good side that deserved their win. Tom Hicks had an outstanding game at second row, demonstrating the benefit of a “back” five in the modern game with his pace to cover tackle as well as his strength in scrummage and carrying and Taylor is a delight to watch with ball in hand and space to run.