U13 Yarnbury vs York (Away)

Clearing the mental anguish and turmoil of remaining at the forefront of fashion is taking its toll on Mr Harrison. Mrs H had done us all the favour of dressing him (fairly normally) and escorting him to the ground today in case he tried to switch clothes en-route. It was almost successful, though Mrs Poskitt was heard to offer some disparaging remarks on his unsuitable footwear. That aside it looked as though he had finally turned the corner of normality and could be welcomed back into the open arms of his friends.

However, those of you who know Mr H. well are also familiar with his ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I feel we should all take some blame for trusting him on this, but did we really think last week when he volunteered to take the team kit home and wash it, that it would be returned safely? For clarity, when he volunteered to wash it what he meant of course was that he would take it home for Mrs H. to wash – which she dutifully did, folded it all neatly, and stacked it back in the bag at home in York…..… where it still. So our fine U13 boys had to endure the shame and ignominy of swapping and cobbling together a set of clothes that vaguely resembled green, black and white, so that they could line up as York U13. Dear readers I encourage you to offer your retribution, sanctions, and penalties through the usual channel of our Team Manager.

First Period

Yarnbury k/o which is caught neatly by Alex. The early play is going with Yarnbury, as York look a little nervy (perhaps it’s the unfamiliar garments). Gradually York settle and get some good counter-rucking going. Andre makes a break from the half-way line, but is stopped at the 22m line by the last line of defence. Some good York Forward work by Will K. and Fraser – making ground and working hard, but then Yarnbury win the ball and take in into York territory. Most of the scrums being awarded to Yarnbury here and it’s fairly even in the scrumming. York Forwards digging deeper now, and they win a maul, with the ball coming out of the back and along the line of Backs; Andre takes it at around the half-way line and runs it through the defence to open the scoring (0-5), and then converting it (0-7).

Yarnbury restart, and the kick is collected by York and run back into Yarnbury territory. The Forwards protecting the ball well, and once again it comes to the Backs to make some ground; Barney collects the ball at the 22m line and runs it through (0-12); no conversion.

After the Yarnbury restart, York nearly extend their lead with some determined effort and clever thinking by Will K. Barney and Freddie. York putting a lot of pressure onto Yarnbury now, and the York pack win a scrum against the head. Play deep in Yarnbury territory, and York having a penalty 10m out. Stout defending by Yarnbury though, and they win the ball back and clear it to touch. York are looking determined now though, and they bring the ball back down and across, with Barney once again running it in near the corner (0-17); no conversion.

Yarnbury restart, but they are quickly on the back foot when Tom M. makes a run along the touch-line for ~ half the pitch, and is just taken into touch before he can get across the try-line. The Yarnbury line-out is thrown long and Will K takes it and runs it through from 3m out (0-22); no conversion.

From the Yarnbury restart Zak takes it and runs it back, with some good support from his Forward team mates. The ball comes to Andre and he sets off running through the Yarnbury defence, passing the ball to Tom M running at his shoulder, who makes the score (0-27); Tom converts (0-29).

Yarnbury restart, and once more York quickly make the ground back up, moving it strongly and intelligently back – Tom M., Toby and Will K working nicely together. Some great work by the York Forwards in the last 5m of Yarnbury territory, and it looks as though it will be a try, but unfortunately it’s held up. The 22m drop-out to Yarnbury is collected by Tom M, who moves it to Barney who runs it back deep into Yarnbury territory, and passes to Andre on his shoulder to score (0-34); no conversion.

Second Period

York k/o. Yarnbury working hard in the starting minutes of this half, but York are quick to the tackle and counter-ruck. There is a Yarnbury player injury, which results in the lad being stretchered off – we wish him a speedy recovery.

Play restarts after a few minutes. York have a line-out, which is neatly collected by Fraser; York form a maul and drive the play up field for 7m, then the ball comes out to the York Backs. Nice work by all. York probing the Yarnbury defence a couple of times, but can’t find a way through, then Andre finds the gap from 10m out and makes the first score of this period (0-39); no conversion.

Yarnbury restart is collected nicely by York, and he holds his ground as the support from his Forward colleagues arrives. The ball comes to the Backs and Steele makes a dash down the touchline, but is just taken into touch at the Yarnbury 22m line. After the Yarnbury line-out York Backs win the ball and fire it down the running line, with Tom M. finishing the move (0-44); no conversion.

After the Yarnbury restart, Joe makes another nice run and passes to Will S. who is promptly pounced upon. The York Backs are fired up today though and Tom M. Andre and Steele move the ball neatly between them, and then to Will K. to finish it off (0-49); no conversion.

The last score of the day goes to Barney, who’s had a great run out today. He takes it near the half-way line and holds off 3 chasing Yarnbury defenders in a determined run (0-54); no conversion.

Game over, and congratulations to both sides for a well fought match in testing weather conditions.

Final Score Yarnbury 0-54 York