Middlesbrough vs York (Away)

It was all looking to be a splendid first time visit for the York lads to Middlesbrough’s ground, when the somewhat belated arrival of a group from York took our breath away. At first sight it appeared that a casting reject from Rupert the Bear had inadvertently wandered onto the pitch, but closer inspection of the diminutive, hairy and strangely garbed figurine revealed it to be none other than Mr Harrison himself. His recent sojourn in the “land of the free” across the Atlantic had (despite the vociferous protestations of his close family) resulted in the purchase of some very inappropriate attire, which he was keen to inflict upon the unfortunate spectators. We can only hope that the “fashion police” catch-up with him before he causes any more distress to us all.

Anyway onto the game – Middlesbrough had a large squad to hand today, and looked to be serious opposition.

First Period

Boro k/o. York looking a little nervy to start with, and play was mostly in the central area of the pitch. York Backs now started to open up the game, with some nice passing and interplay. Andre make good ground into Boro territory, the Backs pass along the line from Tom M to Barney who runs it in to open the score (0-5); no conversion. From the restart York collect it and quickly take it back up the field; Andre runs it to 10m from the try-line and passes to Fraser, who pushes through the Boro defence and is taken down close to the line, but not before he off-loads it to Toby P, who passes to Will K to score (0-10); no conversion.

York pressing hard into Boro territory, with Connor making a great kick up the pitch. A period of loose play by York with a number of penalties going against them (the Ref. being very particular about infringements). The York Forwards are working well as a unit and winning a number of scrums against the head, with a significant size advantage to the Boro Pack. The York Backs showing their style and skill with great interplay, Tom M featuring in much of this, and some lovely close passing. Indeed it’s Tom M who scores next to wrap up this period of play (0-15); no conversion.

Second Period

York k/o deep into Boro territory, with good follow-up by a number of players. Leo is able to collect the ball and pushes through to take the score on (0-20); no conversion. Finn is settling into the squad well after a good game last week, and nearly breaks through the Boro defence. Good scrumming by York Forwards, and Toby takes the ball and kicks it deep; terrific turn of speed by Toby to follow the ball up and collect it and run it through for a try (0-25); Connor converts (0-27).

Boro restart and are making great efforts to even the game up. But the York game is flowing very nicely, with the Backs working well together in running/passing sequences and the Forwards commanding the rucks. Andre is next to score (0-32), and converts (0-34).

York losing a little focus after the restart with some looser play, but then regain their composure with Andre making a run from the half way line (0-39) and a conversion (0-41). Not long after Andre offloads the ball to Leo who makes a decisive score (0-46); Andre converts (0-48).

Andre is firing on all cylinders now, and makes a great twisting run through the Boro defence, passes to Tom M who scores (0-53); Andre converts (0-55).

Third Period

York k/o. A period of closely contested play here, and all credit to the Boro lads who are not giving up, but are fighting hard still. Eventually play moves more into Boro territory and Tom M charges down a Boro ball 10m out and scores (0-60); Harry converts (0-62). York come close to scoring again with a great run by Finn and Jay. The Ref. taking a strict view of some of York’s infringements and a series of penalties against them. Boro defending very well to stop York scoring again. But eventually after a nice pass along a running line of 4 York Backs, Andre scores in the corner (0-67); Harry nearly converts – very close.

Samuel is having a good day today and initiates a series of passes, through Harry to Andre, then to Steel, who offloads as he is taken to ground to Will K, who scores (0-72); no conversion. York are not finished yet, and another intercept by Tom who then passes to Andre. Unfortunately the pass to Ben is intercepted by Boro and there is no score.

Final Score Middlesbrough 0-72 York