York v Sandal 21st October 2012 (Away Fixture at Milnthorpe Green)

A dress rehearsal for the Yorkshire Cup match between these two sides at Sandal in 3 week’s time? A warm up for Middlesborough next weekend? York players and supporters would hope not, as York suffered their first defeat of the season and a comprehensive one at that. Unlike Frankel’s magnificent finale at Ascot on the Saturday, their team never made the running.

Since Nov 2009 these two sets of players have met on no less than eighteen occasions in friendlies, the Yorkshire Cup and festivals. By winning this latest contest, Sandal edge ahead in the victory stakes having now won eight matches to York’s seven. On Saturday York were without Henry, Dan and Adam, three of their regular starters, but this is not to excuse their poor performance on a day when they fielded their largest away squad of the season so far and welcomed back two of last season’s best performers, Max Courtis and Alastair Browne. Full credit must go to a well drilled and hungry Sandal side who continued their unbeaten start to the season in some style.

Play started in bright Autumn sunshine on the field behind the Clubhouse and was broken into three periods of 20 minutes each. Charlie kicked off play to Sandal’s right, York playing up the slope, with the sun at 2 o’clock. For this period the following York players were on the sideline: Zak, Alfie, James M, Harrison, Sam, Alastair and Patrick. From the outset play was highly competitive, Sandal quick to stamp their presence on proceedings with considerable pressure around the scrums, solid defence and fast movement in all areas. Game on. The first spoils of the period went to Sandal with a well worked try in the corner down York’s left side. The conversion dropped short. Sandal ahead 5-0.

The second score of the half was York’s courtesy of a good pass away from a York scrummage by Jack at fly half on the halfway line. Red Max, playing at inside centre fed James Black who made the pass to Charlie to allow an excellent run up the hill, evading several challenges to put down 8 yards in from the right touchline. The conversion never left the ground. Honours even, 5-5. The remainder of the first period was well contested. There were further probing runs from Charlie on the wing, as well as from Max and James Black in the centre, but little penetration in the face of stout Sandal defensive work and frequent pressure on Isaac when retrieving ball from the base of rucks and scrums. There were some strong runs from Angus and Bosy in the forwards and good tackling from Charlie and Foxy at full back. Unfortunately Tom was forced to leave the field with a knock on the shoulder shortly before the end of the first period.

The mist rolled in halfway through the second period by which time York had fallen behind. Sandal had upped their game to counter the slope and the score up their left side was well executed with an intelligent dive in the corner to evade the final tackle from Max at full back. The conversion dropped at the base of the right post. 10-5 to Sandal. Following wholesale changes at the break, a much altered York formation had been allowed no time to settle with Sandal’s back line pressing hard and their forwards quicker and more decisive at the breakdown.

After the try and with Alfie brought in to inject some energy into York’s forward line, York pressed harder. However, there was only 5 minutes remaining by the time York finally found a rhythm and begun to exert some pressure. In the face of excellent Sandal defence across the park this was simply not enough and Sandal held the advantage going into the final period.

The third period was kicked off by Sandal playing down the hill. After a brief period of resistance, Sandal’s No.17 broke through the line to score left of the posts. Only Sam bothered to defend for position in the face of a certain score. Unfortunately he was extremely unlucky to suffer a broken wrist for his efforts and will now spend a frustrating 8 week recovery period on the sidelines. The conversion was missed. 15-5 to Sandal.

Any hope of a York comeback was snuffed out soon after with further lax defending. Charlie at full back was unable to prevent a fourth Sandal try in the face of a determined Sandal breakaway and little support from his teammates. The conversion was straightforward as York huddled for a team talk below the posts. 22-5 to Sandal. Sandal’s fifth and final try was the result of greater alertness in a lineout at the 22 on York’s right side. While York got fingertips to their throw, the ball was not made safe and Sandal broke through in numbers for an easy try 5 yards in from York’s right touchline. An excellent conversion served to emphasize Sandal’s complete dominance in the final period. Final score Sandal 29, York 5.

York’s 3 cheers for Sandal at the final whistle were well deserved.

Positives for York: fine defensive work and spoiling by individuals in the York team, excellent tackling along the back line, by the wings and at full back in each of the three periods. Promising returns by Red Max and Alastair. Good all round individual displays in certain areas.

Lowlights: there developed as the game went on a general lack of teamwork and hesitancy at the breakdown - traditionally an area of strength in York’s play.

Final thoughts: for the team, individuals within the team and the coaching staff, there are few better opportunities to impress and to learn than those games against strong opposition.

By Bill Nelson