9th September 2012 at Wetherby Match 2 v Roundhegians (York won 22-0)

Roundegians kicked off left to right with York playing into the sun in the reverse white tops – both teams sporting black green and white tops as standard. Chris was brought into the scrum while Adam was moved to centre and James M played scrum half. In the initial period York were pinned back on their right side. A solid kick and chase by Jack reversed the momentum and a scrum in the centre of the park was won by York and worked well round the back of the scrum by Bosy to feed Adam. The next scrum was beyond halfway but resulted in a short period of kicking before a lineout on the right at York’s 22. From this the play moved left and after a brief moment of comedy involving Chris Nelson, strong York work up the left side and some good link play released Bosy for the first try – not converted. The second try followed soon after following a solid catch from the re-start by Dan. His run into the centre was held up, but the ball released quickly down the back line left by Sam for Charlie to scorch away from his markers fully half the length of the pitch before intelligently cutting in to put down under the posts for an easy conversion.

The second half started with Harry T and Dobbo moved to the wings with Charlie brought in to the centre and Jack at full-back. Roundhegians took the ball well on their right from the kick-off but gave the ball away in the centre for York to pass the ball to the right down the back line for an easy score by Charlie – but missed conversion. From the kick-off there was solid penetrating play by York down the centre with the forwards working the loose ball well and the backs running strongly. A series of knock-ons however passed the initiative to Roundhegians and it was only strong defence by York 2m short of their own line and a daisy cutter of a kick with lucky bounce from James M that saved the day. A strong surge by York from this point as they pressed hard on the left side of halfway, resulted in an excellent run by the York back line and swift movement of the ball back right. Adam made the surging run on this occasion. When hauled down by Roundhegians 2m short, it was Isaac who tidied and passed the ball right for Harry to score York’s fourth try in the corner. A fine attempt at the conversion, but the ball fell short. Game over, final whistle.

Bill Nelson, 14th September 2012