Scarborough V York 18th November 2012 - By Bill Nelson

Playing squad: Tom Brown, Marcus Thomson, Herbie Milton, Patrick James, Oscar Hales, Isaac Wilson, Alfie Douglas, Harrison Savage, Harry Suter, Marcus Dobson, Jack Williams, Isaac Philips, Ben Wilkinson (Capt.), James Mahon, Alastair Browne, Harry Taylor , Chris Nelson, Daniel Watson, James Black.

Again York kicked off, left to right into the sun. Substitutes for the first half were Tom, Alfie, Dobbo and James Mahon. Ben Wilkinson served as team captain. Scarborough, with the benefit of a break between games, started with great energy. But it was York who were first to score with a lucky break.

Scarborough enjoyed an early period of possession from the start although, as always, York were quickly into their pressing game. York took their opportunity from a breakdown between the twenty-two and ten metre line on Scarborough’s left side, at the end of a move down the Scarborough back line. Scarborough retrieved the ball at the back of the break down, but a hesitant pass out to the blind side was intercepted by an ever-vigilant James Black who was then able to evade further challenges and score near the corner. Jack continued his good kicking form with an excellent conversion. 7-0 to York.

The remainder of the half proved tough as both sides were well matched. A well-drilled Scarborough side, with vocal leadership from members of their backline, maintained a solid defence, while always threatening in possession. Some keen individual rivalries were established as play wore on. There were no more tries in the first half.

The second half brought further tries. From the start of the second half Harrison moved from second row to replace Patrick in the front row of the scrum, while Patrick was moved to flanker. Tom took over from Herbie and Alfie from Oscar, while Dobbo replaced Chris on the right wing, Chris took Harry Taylor’s place on the left and James Mahon joined York’s back line.

Play in the second half was lively, with strong defensive challenges from both sides. However proceedings were somewhat overshadowed by an injury. Marcus Thomson was forced from the field mid-way through the half with a fractured wrist suffered in a forward move gone to ground. Otherwise, given the well-balanced nature of the game, York were fortunate to score the second try. It came well in to the half from a marauding break down the right side, Dan Watson took the final ball and scored comfortably on the right side. Calls from one or two Scarborough players for the ball being held up were treated with deserved disdain by the referee. Unfortunately Jack’s conversion was low and left and York were caught napping in the immediate aftermath.

Scarborough delivered their riposte directly from the re-start with a well taken try beneath the posts before York could rally their defence. The conversion was taken quickly as Scarborough were keen to get back to work and chase victory. York however were able to maintain their defensive line through to the final whistle for a hard fought victory. 12-7 to York. Well done lads!

Positives: excellent forward play; strong tackling across the field; good game time for all squad members against tough opposition; well-organized and tasty fish and chips at Blue Crush on Scarboroughs North Beach – thanks Craig.

Negatives: lacking intensity at times; the sub-tropical weather.