Victorious AGAIN!!

The journey to the final at a the scenic Huddersfields Lockwood Park was impressive to say the least. Seeing off Doncaster at home 26- 7 in the 1st round, then beating rivals Sandal 5 – 15 in the 2nd round & Harrogate at home 19 – 12, Next came Otley in the semi final at home 46 – 0. Job done

Next stop Lockwood Park for the final against a well drilled West Park Leeds side who received a pre match team talk from none other than England’s Stuart Lancaster.

York’s 22 Marcus Thompson, Dan Watson, Alastair Browne, Max Courtis, Max Foxcroft, Henry Barker, Harrison Savage, James Mahon, Ben Wilkinson, Max Boswell, Jack Williams (Capt), James Black, Harry Taylor, Oscar Hales, Patrick James, Chris Nelson, Charlie Hudson, Herbie Milton, Isaac Philips, Adam Brown, Angus Wilson, Alfie Douglas

York started the game well and scored a try in the first 10 mins. York played with impressive support play from the whole team allowing Dan Watson to drive through and score the first try next to the sticks which was then easily converted by Charlie Hudson. West Park Leeds responded for the remainder of the first half holding York in their own 22. The second half started much the same as how the first half finished with York on the back foot proving they can defend as well as they can attack. A few Gasps from the York crowd as WPL broke through only to be brought down by the York back line. Then with just 30 seconds on the clock York came back into the game with some fast hands feeding the ball out to the right wing for Charlie Hudson to collect then run towards the line to score Yorks 2nd try and convert himself. York 14 West Park Leeds 0

A gripping encounter fought in the best spirit of the game, won by two excellent tries, one 5 minutes from the start and the other 5 minutes from the end. But for a number of try saving tackles on both sides the try count may have been higher, but such was the defensive determination and quality of tackling on both sides.
The referee blew for the start of the match, 25 minutes each way, at 11am on the 1st XV pitch with vociferous support from both sides of the field in what were slightly overcast and chilly conditions with little wind to speak of. West Park played towards the clubhouse and kicked off to York’s right. In what was to be a rare lapse of concentration by York in the first period of the game, a knock on was conceded from the catch and the scrum conceded between the 10m line and York’s twenty-two. However, West Park were unable to take advantage and play soon swung back to York as their forwards showed greater aggression and control in the early stages to repeatedly and efficiently feed a well-drilled and enterprising group of backs and probe Leeds’ back line. A number of penalties in York’s favour marked their early advantage, although stolen ball by West Park on more than one occasion, particularly around the scrum and maul, showed that they were not to be dominated. The breakthrough for York followed a number of backline moves and a typically rampaging play by Dan Watson, James Black and Max Courtis down the left that eventually, with quick support and a rolling maul by the York forwards, forced a penalty 5m out. Jack Williams took full advantage to quickly recycle ball inside, first to No.8 Adam Brown and then to outside centre Dan Watson for the try just left of the uprights. Charlie Hudson’s simple conversion took the score to 7-0 in York’s favour.
York’s next move followed soon after the try and was the result of some excellent interplay, first between Bosy and Max Courtis, then Foxy and Charlie Hudson on the right. A crunching tackle on Charlie close to the try line relieved the pressure and Leeds kicked clear. This was to become an oft repeated pattern of play during the remaining 20 minutes of the first half – wave upon wave of re-cycled ball from York around the breakdown and along their back line with penetrating moves from deep and on the wings met by fast defensive spoiling, sound tackling and increasingly effective kicking from Leeds. Indeed there were periods when most ground seemed to be won in defence rather than attack. This said, a good defensive display by York when called upon and only limited forays by Leeds into York territory during the first half, largely the result of more effective kicking as the half wore on, suggested there was little prospect of defeat for York when the halftime whistle blew.
The second half started differently however, with greater aggression and speed from West Park Leeds in the breakdown reaping dividends, including an increasingly loud chorus of support from all quarters of the ground. On more than one occasion a number of West Park’s players threatened with obvious pace and agility. And more than once it was the turn of individuals on the York side to weigh in with try saving tackles. However, as the half wore on it was York, by exerting greater discipline and tightening up play around the breakdown, who were able to slowly but surely re-exert some control. While the front five (Angus, Henry and Harrison in front, with Tommo and Wilkie behind) showed enormous courage and resilience in providing a solid platform in forward play, Alastair, Adam and Bosy put their bodies on the line from the back of the scrum and showed good initiative around the flanks and in support of the back line. Jack Williams at scrum half and James Mahon dictated the rhythm and pattern of play as the second half wore on with excellent decision making and some first class kicking. Substitutions by the coach on 5 minutes (Alfie Douglas for Wilkie) and 15 minutes (Isaac and Patrick for Angus and Bosy) also played an important part through the introduction of fresh legs, tactics and energy at key moments.
York’s second try was first class and followed immediately in the wake of a York break down the right side from a penetrating kick by James Mahon. Determined defending by Leeds held play up 5m short of their line, but York’s forwards were able to provide a platform. Lightning quick hands by Harrison fed James Mahon and his subsequent pass on the run to Max Courtis was timed perfectly to release Charlie Hudson through the middle and across the try line just right of the posts – very slick indeed. A second easy conversion brought the score to 14-0. And despite a strong surge by West Park in the last 5 minutes, this was how the score remained, a try-saving tackle by Charlie Hudson at the other end providing York some relief in the final few moments.
A fine game, worthy of the final. Final score: York 14 – 0 West Park Leeds.
The match was followed by a brief presentation ceremony by the Yorkshire RFU organizers and the award of well-earned medals to both playing squads.
Credit for a fine day out must go to all concerned, be they players, coaching staffs, supporters or officials. And an extra big thank-you to Huddersfield RUFC for their hosting the game, their hospitality and their excellent facilities and organization.

(by Bill Nelson)

York RUFC are always looking for new players and if there is anybody who would be interested in joining the Yorkshire cup champions. Please contact Craig Taylor on 07825 173227. Players need to be currently in Year 8 at school