Well, hopefully no one played the lottery on Saturday, because luck was not with us. A festive atmosphere, a gorgeous pitch, and a perfect day for what was going to be a hotly contested derby against York 3rds.

Looking (and finding) some spaces at the beginning of the first period, Trees deployed a few interesting offensive plays, but York’s well-organised defence held fast. The devil is in the details, they say, and despite good intentions, that last offload, that last pass, that half-a-toe in touch thwarted Trees attacking moves. Capitalising on a strong defence, York quickly played a penalty and managed to send their winger behind the try line, and, after an easy conversion, the local team saw themselves leading by 7 points. Trees intensified their efforts, with good rucking, a few powerful mauls, and great support work, but unfortunately the battle seldom left the middle of the pitch. As a sign of our luck of the day, just before half-time, Trees’ full-back Nick Thompson’s penalty kick attempt hit the post and York were able to clear the ball.

After half-time oranges, Trees’ fly-half Jack Daniels scored a penalty kicked, reducing the score to 7-3 for York. Still playing with the same intensity as during the first half, the players started feeling the effect of the mêlée, and both teams brought on a few subs. Mere seconds before the end of the game, Trees inside centre Morgan Cames showed the enthusiastic spectators son French flair: il prend l’intervale, fixe deux défenseurs, et délivre une passe au millimetrée pour son compère Alex Morrell, qui, faisant parler sa puissance, accélère jusqu’en terre promise...magique! For the English version, please ask one of the Frenchies on the team (1). With the score 8-7 for Trees, the hosts decided to roll the dice, and after a cheeky kick-off towards Trees’ back line, managed to get the pill back. A couple of passes and their winger scored his second try of the day. A conversion, and the referee blew his whistle on a final score of 14-8 for York.

This frustrating result should not hide a really good performance by Trees, which was enjoyed by the numerous spectators. Thank you all for coming! Also a big thank you to Ben Morrison and Danny Cook for a solid game in the front row. Next week sees us play at Moortown against their second team.

Try: A. Morrell.
Penalty: J. Daniels.

Squad: A. Roskoss, J. Gabbatiss, B. Morrison, D. Crawforth, J. Hambleton, T. Eaton, A. Robertshaw, G. Neill (C), R. Cames, J. Daniels, C. Cook, W. Ginns, D. Harder, D. Helsden, N. Thompson.
Subs: D. Cook, P. Thompson, M. Cames, A. Morrell.

(1) For our English speaking friends: "he steps into a gap, draws the defenders and passes to his partner in crime Alex Morrell, who, showing good power, speeds up to the promised land...magic!"