York vs Otley 5th November Yorkshire 2nd round

Match Report
With perfect conditions to play open flowing rugby, both sides did not disappoint with both trying to keep the ball in hand and successfully linking all the key phases.
Following initial pressure on the York defence as Otley tried to release their backs, York forced the turnover and in turn pushed Otley back and ultimately scored a well worked try following 3 phases of controlled rucking and handling – This set the stall for the rest of the game, as York forwards continually won the possession at the ruck area.
York quickly IDed Otley’s strength in their half back and centres and ensured they had little room in which to operate. From Josh S’s harrying of his opposite number or Toby’s outstanding defence that simply shut down their most potent player, York ‘won’ the mid field battle.
Immense credit goes to all the forwards who tirelessly kept the breakdown count in York’s favour – All three Henry’s just kept driving the opposition backwards, whilst Luke R kept clearing out. Elias at no 8 had one of his most influential games of the season. Whilst not on the scoresheet his unselfish distribution and link play meant that York backs profited with Jake, Toby, Charlie and Lucas all crossing the whitewash to register between them 11 of the 12 York tries – Henry B deservedly getting the other on behalf of the hardworking forwards.
Every player contributed – in particularly Josh S (and subsequently Charlie P) and Freddie Iles who had outstanding games – ensuring fast and accurate ball to strike runners. Jake H was simply devastating, picking, time and again, the right line and backing himself when the opportunity presented - 6 tries underlines his impact. Toby B and Lucas B formed an impressive midfield, Toby drawing two /three men every time before passing to Lucas who via sweetly timed passes kept putting Jake H, Beherrells and Charlie H into space to create regular scoring opportunities. Finn and in the half Sam were unlucky not to score, however made some telling breaks, keeping the ball alive before supporting and feeding supporting players. Charlie H had one of his toughest mornings against an impressive opponent; however, his work rate and determination to keep challenging resulting in 2 well worked tries – a very mature performance.
York’s defensive display again was a cornerstone of York’s success. As Otley’s 4 tries suggested we were against one of the strongest offensive lines York have faced and without some outstanding press defence and some brilliant tackling in mid field and down the sides, the score line could have been different. Apart from a ‘soft’ try early in the second half Otley had to work hard for their points. Impressively our’ finishers’ coming into the game kept the momentum going, Charlie G and Louie both created an impact through tackling and running. Ed B slotted in well taking over at Hooker from Luke R – giving Otley no respite. Similarly, William, however we needed to make a tactical change early into his appearance. Joseph J replacing Lucas B shut down the middle and offered different attacking options – keeping Otley’s defence guessing. One of the highlights of the morning apart from Jakes 90 m length of the field try was Sam B’s superb last man /last minute tackle as they threatened to score a consolation try – an incredible attitude that underlined the determination of every player on the park.
Intensity, attitude, control, communication, finishing and a game winning defence...
Finally, many thanks to Martyn S who controlled and ensured a fantastic game of rugby played in the right spirit
Refs report:

I spoke to one of their coaches afterwards, I suggested the difference was the pace we had out wide, he agreed this was right but pointed more to the deciding factor being the way York were faster, stronger and showed better technique in the breakdown, i.e. the wingers can only do their thing if they get the ball - so yes full credit to the pack.

Another observation was the size of the battle in mid-field, Otley’s 12-13 combination were big, strong and very direct in both attack and defence. There were many huge impacts in the midfield, so credit to our centres for putting in possibly the heaviest shift of the season so far in terms of impact. It was essential to stop their marauding 13 with his huge hand off, but also to carry the ball into contact and commit those two into the tackle/ruck so we could work around them. There were many big tackles (from both teams) and mostly just the right side of legal

The spirit and communication on the pitch between the boys was excellent.

A couple of points to note:
1. When a whistle goes for a free kick the boys have to retreat 10m immediately, not hang around asking for an explanation of having a chat
2. If in doubt about the off-load and there’s risk of interception, take it into contact and force a breakdown which will rest the off-side line. I know the black stripes were a problem but at least one if not 2 of their 1st 1/2 tries were from off-loads/passes that went straight to Otley hands. Inevitably the passing player then turns to me and shouts “offside?” but of course it’s open play.
3. If we’re going to kick a clearance from our own try line, it’s got to go a long way and the kicker has to chase as most of his team will be in front on him (if we’re really in trouble then put it into touch so we can reset the defence. If all we do is kick to the 22 and put all of the team off-side, then we’re in trouble.