York travelled to Acklam Park, Middlesbrough knowing that victory could have moved them above their opponents in Yorkshire one.

According to the Middlesbrough programme it was 11 years since these two last met. York knew this was going to be a difficult game to a side that had only lost once at home in the league this season.
The dour game that followed, resulting in an 8 points to 5 victory to the home team, left both home and travelling supporters disappointed at the quality of rugby on offer.

The home team took advantage of the strong breeze in the first half and managed to turn round at half time 8 points to the good following a try by fullback Bircham and a 40 metre penalty by fly half O’Farrell. With neither team being dominant for any sustained periods due to errors and penalties at crucial times, the game was never going to be free flowing or high scoring.

Whilst the second half continued much in the same vein (errors & penalties) York must have fancied turning the 8 point deficit into an away victory, particularly with the strong wind at their backs. Early second half pressure saw York with a 5 metre scrum where Marcus Britland the York 8 picked up and was driven over by the York pack after 10 minutes. Even with the conversion attempt drifting wide at 8 …5 York must surely have felt this game was there for the taking. The next 10 minutes saw more York pressure, during which a chance of 3 points to level the scores after a Middlesbrough infringement was not taken. Further territorial advantage all came to nothing.York now dominant in the scrums should have taken further advantage of this when the home number 3 Helm was red carded for alleged stamping. With Middlesbrough now down to 14 men, York with the wind at their backs and 20 minutes to go the game was there for the taking. However York seemed unable to capitalise, constantly giving penalties away or making errors when in key positions. It was the home side with 14 men that looked more likely to score in the last 10 minutes. Even when Middlesbrough were reduced to 13 men with 2-3 minutes to go, York were unable to get the crucial score to take victory.

York will reflect on a game they could have and should have won. The York team of the last 2-3 weeks did not turn up today, had they done so then victory would surely have been ours. If this young team can learn to be patient at crucial points in the game, take the right options at the right time and really believe in their ability, then there is no reason why they can’t climb above their current 6th position.

Next week, see’s the visit of Old Brodleians, who after a disappointing start to their season have had 2 consecutive victories scoring 56 points in the process, a difficult game indeed, awaits the home side.