Forward power prevailed on a heavy, waterlogged pitch!

Scarborough's kickoff failed to make the requisite 10 metres and York took advantage with a driving ruck that took play close to Scarborough's line. Scarborough failed to clear from defense and York and York regained possession to mount another driving maul, which took play over the try line. One way or another York won the wrestling match and with the ball securely in Leonard's hands, he grounded the ball for an early opening try. (0-5). From the restart York did attempt to play a more expansive game but conditions restricted good quality ball from set pieces and made handling very difficult as the ball became more like a bar of soap in the bath. Driving mauls proved far more effective and soon York crossed Scarborough's line but could not get the ball grounded. It was only a temporary respite as York was soon over the line again and this time they did get a good grounding with second row Cambridge's hands and body firmly on the ball. (0-10). It started to look as though York may totally dominate but Scarborough restarted strongly. York knocked-on from the restart. Scarborough won the ensuing scrum, exploited the blind side and their fullback broke clear to race in at the corner. (5-10). With their tails now up, only a dogged York defense stopped Scarborough scoring again. York won a penalty to help ease the situation and began to mount pressure as the halftime whistle brought play to a halt.
HALF TIME : SCARBOROUGH 5 YORK 10.

With conditions as they were the second half was only ever going to be a repeat of the first half forward battle. Scarborough, who only just managed to field the full 15 players, had a few very talented individuals who, given chance, could seriously test York. This had been shown towards the end of the first half. It was York's defense that needed to be alert to possible break away as the forward's 'battle royal' continued to dominate. Honours remained even at set scrums and lineouts. York found greater strength in driving mauls and this gave them territorial advantage from which two further tries ensued. The first came from No 8 Leonard, who picked up from the back of a ruck to race over from 10 metres out. This followed a long driving maul by the entire pack, which Scarborough only just arrested short of their line. (5-15). It was Leonard who was on hand again to receive the ball from a tap penalty and force his way over the line from a 15 metre break. (5-20).
FULL TIME : SCARBOROUGH 5 YORK 20.

It had been a credit to both teams in trying to play entertaining rugby in such wet and ultimately muddy conditions. It was always going to a forward's game and as such suited York's strength on the day. With much smother tackling the game became, at times, more of a wrestling match. It was York who held the edge in driving such situations forward for territorial advantage. Consequently all four of their tries came from such tactical play.

SCORERS:

Tries
Leonard (3)
Cambridge