23rd September at Roundhegians - York won 29-14

An early afternoon kick-off (12.30pm), overcast but dry with a few sunny intervals – much like the rugby. There is a proficiency and togetherness about this York team and sufficient individual determination and flair which means they are quite able to win when for whatever reason things just don’t ‘click’. Such was Sunday’s game, against a strong Roundhegians XV.
Jack kicked the game off, right to left and York started at a high tempo. This paid immediate dividends after a short period of open play with a try by James B from a recycled ball on the left side. Charlie was only just short with the conversion – something to build on. 5-0 York.
The next period of play was marked by some stand out moments for York’s forwards, including a good penetrating run down the centre by Tom, a similar run by Henry on the right and in particular a surging 30 yd run by Angus on his debut – the first of several. Dan, as ever, left his mark in the tackle. Roundhegians were able to rally however, stemming the York attack, performing well in the set plays and kicking well. Adam at No.8 and James M at scrum half worked well in linking play and instigating moves around the base of the scrum and from rucks, while Chris and Harry T provided options on the wings. York’s next score came from a York put in and Adam scoring on the right side in the corner. It was Jack’s turn to miss the conversion. 10-0 York.
York’s third and final try of the half came from a kick up the right side following Adam’s high catch of a bobbling ball from the re-start and some loose play. Charlie crossed the try line on the right side and touched down in the centre for a comfortable conversion. 17-0 York.
The next try was Roundhegian’s, somewhat against the run of play after Dan had caught from the re-start and made a strong run down the centre. The referee played the advantage from a York knock on with a Roundhegians interception leading to a well taken try down the centre of the park – converted. 17-7 to York.
The remainder of the first half was marked by good, but error-strewn loose play by York as Roundhegians pressed hard – Isaac (as ever) looking sharp with an excellent steal and good tidying. Movement of the ball down the back line became somewhat ponderous however. A pause for injury to a Roundhegians player and intervention by the coach led to some improvement; there were good fast hands by York when play resumed. Despite a string of penalties and a lineout to Roundhegians on the left side, York finished the stronger team.
The second half resumed with Dan’s surging run down the centre after his catch. York maintained the pressure well for lengthy periods down both sides of the park with a number of set plays. Both teams were well matched in these although York enjoyed the better run of the scrums. An excellent move down the left following a scrum just right of halfway almost opened the scoring, James Black’s penetrating run releasing Jack, Charlie and Harry T in quick succession. Elements of the move were repeated soon afterwards however, following more stout defending by Roundhegains, but this time with Harry T scoring. Charlie’s conversion from the left side fell just to the right of the posts. 22-7 to York.
York’s next try (after yet another catch by Dan) followed the pattern of an earlier play by York on the right, this time Foxy feeding Charlie for a comfortable try in the right corner. Charlie’s well taken conversion took the score to 29-7.
The final try of the half came after yet another (yes, you guessed it) Dan catch from the restart and surging run into the centre of the Roundhegian’s line. Unfortunately a York feed left from subsequent loose play back towards halfway, was well intercepted by Roundhegians with the referee playing the advantage from a York knock-on. York failed to stop the breakaway and the conversion was once again a formality from in front of the posts. The score was held at 29-14 by tenacious Roundhegians defence in the face of further York pressure to the very end.
A slightly scrappy game where faster ball and a simpler approach might have served York well. Thanks Roundhegians for the warm welcome and great organisation – very tasty sausage and bacon rolls too!