In good conditions for mid-February, York kicked off, using the brisk cross-field wind to secure possession deep in the Heath half. From the game’s first lineout, York set up a solid catch and drive, which would become one of their most effective weapons on the game. The traveling York supporters thought they had first bragging rights as Eddie Bradshaw burst through the ruck and headed for the try line but the referee brought play back for a knock on.

Whilst York had the majority of the opening opportunities, Heath were first to put points on the board. From a midfield break, York were penalised just outside their 22 and the Heath flyhalf converted. York had the upper hand in the loose and looked most dangerous when they drove the ball up-field, offloading through multiple phases. As they settled into the game York broke into the Heath half from a turnover; chasing the ball, Billy and Dave Bates forced the covering Heath defence into conceding the lineout in their own 22. Experience showed as Billy took a quick lineout to Bates who crashed over to score York’s first try. The conversion missed, York had the lead; 3 – 5.

The ensuing phase of play saw both sides’ trade kicks as they wrestled for upper hand. York again used their catch and drive to good effect and built pressure from a series of penalties. As effective as York’s rolling mauls were, Heath definitely had the advantage in the scrum and without neat pickups by the York No.8, retaining possession would have been difficult.

After creating the first try, veteran winger Billy converted the second opportunity after neat driving play by Darren Rutherford and a strong catch and run by Charlie Nicholson. Billy took the ball on the Heath 22 and used his strength and guile to beat a number of defenders and score. The conversion missed, York’s lead extended to 3 – 10. The next five minutes saw Heath press their advantage in the scrum and after losing Marcus Britland to the sin bin, York were pinned back against their try line. Heath made the numerical and positional advantage tell, pushing over at scrum time to score. Hichcliffe added the extras to even the scores 10 – 10.

As the first half came to a close, York scored the pick of their try’s; taking the ball from within their own half, York moved the ball through multiple phases and through ten player’s hands. As the defence became more fragmented Dave Bates stormed through from the 22 to score his second and the team’s third try. Davies converted to put York back ahead 10 – 17.

The second half started with a flurry of penalties, setting the tone for the remainder of the game as the referee became more influential on the flow of the match. The usually effective Hincliffe missed two penalty attempts from the tee as York found themselves the wrong side of the referees whistle. On his third attempt the Heath flyhalf hit the mark and closed the gap to 13 – 17. Britaland made way at No.8 for club stalwart Andy Kay as the York coaches looked to up the tempo and use Kay’s height advantage in the lineout.

York’s competitiveness at the lineout started to show as they stole Heath ball and drove forward. This time Heath were on the receiving end of the referees whistle and Davies added the three points. Looking to take the bonus point York worked their way back down field and after kicking to the corner from another penalty, drove effectively to the line. Although crossing the try line, the ball was held up and York awarded an attacking scrum. Heath’s superior scrum allowed them to clear their lines but only by 10 meters. This time, York got the catch and drive right and from the ensuing rumble, Darren Rutherford crossed the line. Again Davies hit the conversion to extend their lead to 13 – 27.

With the result seemingly decided Heaths effort did not diminish as they pushed to take at least a losing point from the game. York’s concentration and fitness levels were tested in the closing minutes but they were able to thwart Heath’s challenge. Where previous away games had seen York struggle to maintain their advantage, today they were steadfast and controlled the closing phase of the match. The trip over to Halifax was a successful one for the York team who, apart from the scrum, performed well in all facets of the game. Most pleasing was the strong defence, keeping Heath down to only a pushover try and the multiple phases of attack. The biggest difference between the two sides today was York’s ability to work phase after phase in attack and get in behind the defence.

A strong team performance made it difficult to pick out individual performances but Meredith and Bradshaw were their usual tenacious selves in defence and Billy, Bates and Fletcher equally effective in attack. Next week York entertain Bridlington at home in what will undoubtedly be a competitive affair, Brid coming off a home win against Yarnbury today and beating York by a single point in the reverse fixture earlier this season.