Hull Ionians vs York (Away)

The next fiasco was the annual dressing up game entitled “Find a York Strip that Fits me”. I can’t believe that we are the first York U13 Team to be of normal size – the hand-me-downs from previous generations of U13 midgets was bizarre. Perhaps it had all gone wrong in the weekly wash.

Anyway onto the game – Hull Ionians had proven a tricky team for York last Season; most games ending in draws. Interesting to see whether full size pitch and full squad would make a difference.

First Period

York k/o. Hull were looking sharp for breaking through the York defence, but York held out. A closely competitive game, as so often is the case between these two sides. The scrumming by both sides taking a while to settle down, with a number of resets.

Several attempts by both sides to kick the ball through the defence and follow-up, but no breakthrough and play is well balanced, with no side gaining the advantage. A penalty to York is kicked by Connor to the 22m line, with good follow-up by York, but Hull defend stoutly. A penalty kick to touch by Hull now, but York (Fraser) win the resulting Hull line-out; York move it nicely across the pitch to create some space, but again well defended by Hull. Hull then nearly break away, but Andre makes the saving tackle.

Scrumming still requiring several resets , and generally play is in Hull territory for the remainder of this period with York unable to get the first try.

Second Period

Hull k/o. Once again a very competitive and evenly balanced game from these two sides, but with York gradually pushing play into the Hull half. Then from nowhere Hull get a break through and score (5-0); no conversion. The game is moving into another gear now, and Harry makes a great kick to touch deep in Hull territory. York get their deserved reward with a splendid solo effort by Andre from the Hull 22m line (5-5); no conversion.

Third Period

York k/o. More intense and closely contested play by the two sides. Hull steal the ball and run deep into York territory; the ball goes over the line , but Will S saves the try by diving onto the ball. Then Barney saves another try attempt by Hull. It’s nail biting stuff.
Hull’s pressure pays off, with a break away from the half way line (10-5); converted (12-5).

York piling the pressure on now, with the clock ticking down. It’s a York scrum 5m out from the Hull try-line, and the ball comes out from there to Andre, who pushes through (12-10); unfortunately there is no conversion.

Final Score Hull Ionians 12-10 York