U13 Yorkshire Cup 2nd Round Castleford vs York

An outbreak of modest dressing by the Parents this week leaves me virtually speechless. Mr Harrison was chaperoned by his long-suffering father, who has evidently laid down some very clear rules on how the family are to deport themselves in public in future – no fancy dress and no falling over.

Well done again to Barney for coming to cheer his mates on; getting the use of his arm back with bacon sarnie therapy.

The omens were looking to be set fair, as the team strips arrived in the safe hands of Mrs Poskitt.

On with the Game, which promised to be an intriguing fixture. The last time these teams met was at Sandal, 2 years ago almost to the day, when the game was a 7-7 draw.

First Half

York k/o and take the play into Cas’s half for a couple of minutes, playing around the 22m line. The first scrum is awarded to Cas, and it takes a few resets to get the two Packs settled; Cas win their scrum, but Tom seizes the ball and nearly breaks through. Another scrum by Cas, but the York Forwards are showing good technique against their larger opponents, and push them back. The ball is out in open play, and Cas attempt a maul, but the York Forwards gather themselves and drive it backwards, taking the ball and making good ground. Then it’s another great maul by York, moving the game fully 10m closer to the Cas tryline (7m out). Penalty to York, and Andre pushes through to open the scoring (0-5); converted by Connor (0-7).

Cas restart, but York take the play straight back in to the Cas half, and are causing some problems for the Cas defence with a series of probing plays; unfortunately a forward pass by York ends that phase. Another Cas scrum, but York quickly take the ball back and set-up another terrific maul; the play moves 10m from the Cas tryline, but it’s knocked-on by York. Toby nearly breaks through the Cas defence, but they hold him out, and finally clear their lines. A series of incisive and skilful interplays by the York Back, and Tom runs it in from 15m out to increase the lead (0-12); no conversion.

After the Cas restart, it’s not long before Tom is charging up the wing deep into Cas territory, this time supported well by Fraser (making some use of his 7 foot legs). They work the ball nicely between them to 10m from the Cas tryline, but a forward pass is adjudged. The Cas scrum is foiled, and Will S. grabs the ball and makes a run for the corner; he is tackled into touch, but it’s judged to be a high tackle. Penalty restart to York 5m out, and they work it well along the Backs, but Cas defend well and York cannot get through. Scrum to Cas, which they win, but York ruck it back, and Zak (who’s playing well today) bursts through and scores (0-17); Connor converts (0-19).

Cas restart and there follows a good passage of play for them. Hard work by both teams around the York 22m line. York Forwards again combining well and rolling a maul to push Cas back. Cas get a penalty though and kick it to touch, taking back valuable York territory. Cas win a scrum after their line-out, and cleverly work it through the York defence, to get their first score of the day (5-19); no conversion.

York come out again strongly on their restart, and keep pushing hard to find a way through, but Cas defend strongly. Half time.

Second Half

Castleford k/o to start the second half; York knock-on. Frustrating period by York for a few minutes, with some creative play not coming to fruition, due to lose concentration. Gradually York get the play back into the Cas half, and press hard now to get through, including a great charge down by Will K. 8m out from the Cas tryline. Andre eventually breaks the deadlock, getting through 3 defenders (5-24); no conversion. Andre has taken a couple of knocks in the process and comes off the pitch.

Cas restart, and York keep trying to find a way through the stout Cas defence. Harry makes a good run down the wing, as does Freddie, who couldn’t quite ground the ball over the try line. The Ref awards a York scrum 5m out, and in the resulting melee Fraser picks the ball and dives through to score (5-29); no conversion.

The whole York team are working well together, with Samuel notable for some great tackles and ball carrying. Freddie has another couple of probing runs won the wing. A scrum to York 5m from the Cas tryline, but it’s cleared by the Cas defence. York Forwards continue their impressive display of rolling mauls today. Cas are awarded a penalty and clear the ball out of their territory.

Good carrying of the ball by Fraser again, using his size to gain valuable ground. Good passage of play by both teams as the final couple of minutes tick away. Neither side able to gain the upper hand. Full time.

Congratulations to both sides for a hard fought and tiring match.

Final Score Castleford 5-29 York