West Park Leeds vs York (Away)

A welcome return to common sense by Mr Harrison this morning – we can only assume that he was held to ransom by his family whilst getting dressed, and that his appalling fashion garb was fuel to a backyard bonfire after last week’s inexcusable faux pas. Mr Smart was sadly missed – reportedly on another work related function in Wales at the tax payers’ expense; we all agree that his guest appearances as Lurch are a welcome compensation.

First Period

WPL were fast out of the blocks, with a larger sized scrum than York, and well drilled Backs. York held their own though, and Barney made one of his customary runs down the wing, and was unlucky to be taken into touch 15m from the WPL try-line. Zak also makes a play for the line in a great display of aggressive Forward play. The York Forwards are getting the better of the rucking against the larger WPL Pack, and a ball out of the back of a ruck 10m out is worked along the Backs to Freddie who takes it over to open the scoring (0-5); no conversion.

York Forwards continue their fine work and are more than holding their own in the rucks; Zak again nearly finding a line through the WPL defence. Then – out of nowhere, with a momentary lapse of concentration by York, WPL break through and run a third of the pitch to even the scoreline (5-5); converted (7-5). York a little rattled by that and WPL are bolstered by their audacious move. WPL have another break away chance and it looks like they will stretch their lead even further, but it's Will S, to the rescue, with a great tackle at the 22m line. York clear their territory with a penalty kick deep into WPL space. Play is halted for a WPL player injury, which unfortunately results in the young lad being taken off for treatment – we wish him a speedy recovery.

Second Period

WPL k/o and continue to pressure York, with much of this period of play being in the York half. The York Forwards are working hard though, and there is some terrific rucking and mauling by them, which is making it difficult for WPL to make any further progress. Andre breaks away and looks as though he will take York back into the lead, but he’s stopped 10m out from the WPL try-line. York win a scrum against the head 5m from WPL try-line; Will S. and Jay come close to scoring, but it’s held-up at the line.

York’s hard work to hold off the WPL onslaught finally pays off. Connor takes the ball from the back of the scrum and bursts though to score (7-10); no conversion.

WPL k/o and the game is evenly matched. York Forwards though are winning the scrums (mostly against the head), and together with their fine rucking, this is turning the tide of the game. The ball comes to Andre, who runs it in from 35m out, with some fine use of the hand-off (7-15); no conversion.

York starting to dominate more, the Forwards (Fraser) winning a WPL line-out. York working hard to increase their scoreline, and coming close but held-up on the WPL try-line.

Third Period

WPL k/o. York playing well now, with good connection between Forwards and Backs. A lovely dummy by Andre at the 22m line, and he runs through to score again (7-20); conversion by Andre (7-22).

WPL are playing determinedly, and the play is closely contested for a period, but gradually York moving play into the WPL half. York pressuring from all quarters and the game moves deeper into WPL territory, up to the last 10m. Finally it’s that lad Andre again who sells a dummy and dashes through (7-27); no conversion.
Still a couple of minutes play left and Barney has another dash along the wing, before being taken into tough. WPL haven’t given up yet, and they break through the York defence with a try looking certain; but Finn makes a terrific tackle to save the day.

Final Score West Park Leeds 7-27 York