U13 Sheffield vs York (Away)

A waggish prank by the “Little and Large” combo of Harrison & Smart over misplacement of the team strips did little to settle the pre-match nerves of Coaches or Players. It did of course mean we were late starting the game, but how we laughed.............

A good attendance by supporters, friends and family, who’d made the long journey southwards to support the lads.

On with the Game, which promised to be an intriguing fixture. Both squads looked to be well matched in size and skill, and not a lot of previous fixtures to draw upon for how the game would turn out. One or two York players trying new field positions today, including Sam at Flanker.

First Half

York k/o, and Sheffield knock it back into the York half. Ben takes it back across the half-way line, and play ensues around the Sheffield 10m line. Sheffield get the first line-out of the game, and win it, but York then ruck the ball back. Toby nearly breaks through the Sheffield defence, and there is a sequence of nice passes between the York Backs.

Sheffield get the first scrum of the game, and their Forwards look solid and well-drilled, getting a good shove on to push York back. Some good rucking by Sheffield as well, and they clear the ball up to half-way to relieve the York pressure. Sheffield playing well, and unlucky not to get a break away, after sharply intercepting a York pass.

York settling down to the task now, and piling the pressure back on, looking for that first score. Some good interplay between Leo, Andre, Connor, and Will K, but its Joe who makes the push for the line, making a vital 10m to bring the ball achingly close to a score; he can’t quite ground it though as Sheffield defend fiercely. York win the ruck though and the ball is passed through the Backs for Leo to break through (0-5); no conversion.

Sheffield restart, and Andre clears the ball back into touch 15m into Sheffield territory. After the line-out Leo has another run at the Sheffield defence, offloading nicely to Will K. to take on the charge. Andre then nearly breaks through, going down the line, but is just taken into touch. The Sheffield line-out in won by them, then York infringe and Sheffield get another scrum. Sheffield working very hard and looking for a chance to even the score, nearly making another couple of interceptions of loose York passes. Penalty to Sheffield, and they clear it nearly to their own 10m line. The Sheffield line-out is won by Steele, and he sets off a line of passes along the York Backs, but unfortunately the ball is spilled forward before we can take advantage. The Sheffield scrum still looking solid, and play moves deep into York territory as Sheffield try hard to equalise; York having to defend well to hold them out. Line-out awarded to York, but Sheffield win it. York wrest the ball back and finally clear it upfield. Andre makes a 25m run, and passes it to Leo who’s in close support, but he’s tackled 10m from the Sheffield try-line. Couple of scrums at 10m and 15m from Sheffield’s try-line, and York manage to get the ball away along the Backs to Tom, who nips through and scores (0-10); Andre Converts (0-12).

Sheffield restart, and a good kick back and chase by Leo; knocked-on by Sheffield at their 10m line. York scrum. Some good counter-rucking by the York Forwards, but the pass back out is knocked-on by York. Bit of loose play by York as this half closes. Half time.

Second Half

Sheffield k/o and Connor knocks it back to 15m from the Sheffield try-line. Sheffield get a penalty though for a high tackle, and clear it back to ½ way. York then get a penalty for a side entry into the ruck by Sheffield, and clear the ball back. The York line-out is caught neatly by Fraser. York pressing hard, and they win another penalty; Fraser taps it and charges at the Sheffield defence, with the York pack following in. The York maul is held up by Sheffield though, and they win a scrum; Sheffield win that and clear the ball back to half-way. Sheffield win another penalty on their 10m line, and charge at the York defence line, but York hold them, win the ball and clear it. The Sheffield line-out is won by them, but their maul goes to ground and they are penalised for holding on and not releasing; York clear the ball upfield.

Barney has a run towards the corner, but is taken into touch 5m out from the Sheffield try-line. The Sheffield line-out is won by Fraser and he knocks it to the Backs, who pass it swiftly along the line looking for a gap, but Sheffield stop it 3m out. York continue to press hard in Sheffield territory for another couple of minutes, with Sheffield defending well. Finally Andre runs from the Sheffield 22m line to the corner to score (0-17); no conversion.

Sheffield restart, and the ball is knocked back to touch, but play is brought back to half-way into York territory. Sheffield Forwards continuing to work well as a unit, pushing the York maul back. The first Sheffield scrum has to be reset as the ball came straight out, and York get a good shove on for the reset scrum, Sheffield go off-side and York clear the ball away.

York camped in the Sheffield half now. Tom intercepts a Sheffield pass 5m out from their try-line, but can’t get through; penalty to York soon after and still Sheffield defending well. Sheffield awarded a penalty for York being off their feet in the ruck. But soon after York get to the ball from a Sheffield scrum and set up a maul to try and push for the line; Sheffield once again defend well. Barney has another dash, but is stopped. Then Sheffield get a couple of scrums and gradually move the play further away from their try-line. Barney has another dash towards the corner, but taken into touch 1m from the try-line. Sheffield line-out is knocked-on by York. Sheffield scrum.

York awarded a penalty 5m out. Fraser taps it and carries the ball to the Sheffield defence line, with support coming in quickly from the rest of the York team to set up the maul. York drive the ball over the line, with Will K taking the honours (0-22); no conversion. Full time.

Congratulations to both sides for a hard fought, well-disciplined, and thrilling match, deservedly applauded by all supporters.

Final Score Sheffield 0-22 York