Match Report by Huw Kane

This was anticipated to be a close game between two sides closely matched in league position and stats. It did not disappoint but ultimately York left themselves too many points to chase after an uncharacteristic slow start that saw Alnwick build a 17-3 lead in the first quarter of the game.

York kicked off into the wind but were immediately defending an Alnwick scrum on the half-way line after the kick was deemed not to have travelled 10 metres. Sustained pressure from Alnwick with short interplay and strong running between forwards and backs won them a penalty after only three minutes which they converted. Alnwick made good use of the wind and had York pinned in their 22 again. Clean line out ball off the top, straight running and a missed tackle saw Jack O Regan cross near the posts. Thirteen minutes gone and York were behind 0-10.

York fought back into the wind with the running style of rugby that is their hallmark but found an Alnwick defence well organised and uncompromising that meant York’s effort was being contained in the middle of the field rather than the oppositions 22. An opportunistic interception by Alnwick reversed the pressure and a 60 m footrace to the York posts saw Alnwick score again. 0-17. After the first twenty minutes the game settled into a more even contest with more passes going to hand, York retaining possession for sustained periods . A penalty from George Davies started to settle the touchline nerves.

York’s pack showed yet again they are a force to be reckoned with in the scrum and line out but were being matched in the loose. Alnwick used the wind well to gain territory and with plenty of gas to burn in their back three always looked threatening. A driving maul from a line out 5 m from the York line saw the Alnwick pack over the line only to be held up by a magnificent defensive effort from Joe Simpson and the half time whistle. York 3 Alnwick 17.

The second half saw a resurgent York with the wind behind them and more structure in their play; their set piece dominant, running and passing more accurate and threatening the Alnwick line more as a result. Alnwick were ready to exploit any mistakes. A loose ball saw them kick through with the lively Moralee at full back collecting and going close but for York’s wing Sam Taylor who showed some gas of his own to turn and make a superb cover tackle which resulted in him leaving the field injured. York reorganised with Goulding coming on in the centre and Woffendin going to wing.

A line out 15 m out gave York their next attacking opportunity. York drove hard for the line in a series of attacks, picking and going before moving the ball wider to find Will Scholey in the No10 channel taking a break from chewing his laces. From 10 metres out he was unstoppable. York 10 Alnwick 17. York were quickly on the attack again. Good driving and ball retention by forwards and backs up the left-hand side of the field saw the York team pull the Alnwick defence into a narrow defensive alignment. Slick passing and good lines of running enabled Barrick to go over in the far right-hand corner to pull the game back to two points. Davies missed the difficult conversion.

York 15 Alnwick 17, was this the turning point? The chance to maintain fortress York? Alas, no. A good restart saw Alnwick recover the ball and pressure the York 22 resulting in a penalty to Alnwick. The attempt at goal went wide and York had a drop out which Alnwick collected and worked a number of phases before eventually going over under the posts. Final whistle York 15 Alnwick 24.

York will reflect on the amount of work they left themselves after the first quarter but have many positives to take away, not least of all the growing dominance of the pack and the positive team spirit and commitment they maintained to the end. Alnwick away? Book your train tickets now, they may be popular.