WELCOME It gives me great pleasure to welcome the players, officials and supporters of York back to Acklam Park as we reach the half way stage of the season – after today we will play return fixtures. We last met York on the field of play 11 years ago in North East 2 when I remember with affection their Quality Street Gang of supporters; I also remember that we won 30-18 at home and 18-6 in the return leg, We were scheduled to meet here two years later in the Yorkshire Cup, in the days when mid-week Cup fixtures caused all sorts of problems in a county the size of Yorkshire; that game did not take place.

So much for history. This season York have progressed quite nicely, having won six and drawn one of their 12 league fixtures. Five of their fixtures have been away games, of which they've won two (at Scarborough and Hullensians) and lost three (at O Brods, Wath and Bridlington, this latter game ending agonisingly close at 33-32). Last week they were lying in fourth place, one behind us, but defeats for us both saw our visitors fall to sixth as we dropped to fourth. They were at home to Malton & Norton, losing 13-24 in a game that was tighter than the final score suggests. It was all square 3-all at half time; after the break the sides traded tries but York missed the conversion to fall two points behind. But into the final quarter York lost a player to a red card (a case of mistaken identity, apparently) and M&N took advantage of their additional man to cross the line twice in the following 10 minutes. York added a late try to close the gap to nine points.

MATCH NEWS You would think from the 26-0 result in our last home game against Wath that it was a pretty straightforward win for us, but not a bit of it! Wath had a strong pack and more of the possession and territorial advantage, but we defended like demons whilst scoring four outstanding tries. Jack scored the first inside ten minutes when Bellers slipped him the ball from the back of his hand; he then converted from out wide. Bellers then crossed the line himself, with Jack again adding the extra points. We sat back – figuratively speaking – sighed contentedly and waited for the fireworks. But...but, by the three quarter stage we were more than a little worried. Wath were applying a lot of pressure and I feared that if they crossed the line our lead could be in real danger. However although a great break from our own 22 involving James, Ash, Conner, Simmo, Euan and Nolly failed by a gnat's whisker to add to our score, within minutes we did cross the line, after Bellers stripped the ball from Wath in the tackle and fed Conner, who threw a long pass out wide for Nolly to score. We really settled the nerves ten minutes from time when Tarmac carried the ball from our line-out into the Wath forwards. It was recycled quickly and Toddy slipped through half a gap and off-loaded out the back of his hand to Bellers, who found Euan who scored for the bonus point.

We followed this fine win with a disappointing defeat at Yarnbury last week. We had a poor first half, conceding three tries inside half an hour to a penalty from Jack to go into the break 21-3. However the second half was a much different affair. With a penalty count of 15 to 1 in our favour, a try from Bellers, converted by Jack, who also added another penalty, got us back to 21-13 before Yarnbury scored their bonus try at the death.

The Lions lost their opening game of the season at Redcar on 6 September. I mention this because that is also the last game the lost. Since the last report they have beaten Acklam 32-5 and then Northallerton 32-10 to take their winning streak to 11 consecutive games – a tremendous record. Today they face a tricky match at Stockton, but whatever happens they deserve our congratulations. There was also disappointing news last Saturday – both our home games were called off by the opposition. The Wasps were due to play Corbridge Centurions, Tynedale IIIs, whilst the 'A'team were expecting Northallerton IIs. And more indication of clubs struggling for players is the news that Hartlepool Rovers Heughers have withdraw from the CANDY League.

JUNIORS Last weekend we enjoyed a great run of results. Whilst our U16s took the day off to support Newcastle Falcons in their match against Sale Sharks, the U15s, having beaten Beverley 61-7 in the previous round, welcomed Doncaster in the Yorkshire Cup, and won a close and exciting game by 22-19, putting them into the semi finals. Meanwhile there was more success for our Junior Colts, who cemented their place at the top of Yorkshire Division 1, just ahead of O Brods on points difference, by scoring 31 points whilst conceding 22 in their game against – O Brods! The U14s and U13s were both at Wensleydale, and both returned with impressive victories, 31-12 and 40-5 respectively. Tomorrow the U14s are at home to Aireborough in the semi finals of the Yorkshire Bowl. And here let me indulge myself by welcoming Frankie Simpson to the U13s squad – his first game was in the disappointing defeat to Ripon two weeks ago but it didn't dampen his enthusiasm, he is still as keen as mustard. Incidentally the last programme included a piece from Sarah Hutchinson about the U9s Cup exploits; a group photograph of the happy youngsters taken on the day in question appears on p16.

CLUB NEWS Let me remind you of some forthcoming attractions as we move into December. The U7s/8s/9s hold their Christmas party this coming Thursday, followed on Friday by a mini/junior coaches Indian meal. And then on Sunday there is the Members Grand Christmas Draw, with the 6th Annual Pie-baking Competition on Tuesday, 16th. We then have the third event of the week on Thursday 18th with the visit of Santa Westy for our entertaining and extremely popular Carol Sing-a-long; if you want a seat and a song sheet get here early! On Saturday 27th we have a variety of activities; we play Stockton, away, for the Alan Todd Memorial Trophy, our very own Shaun Cassidy is selecting a North East Baa Baas side (which will include Brad, Peter Pan – sorry I mean Peter Wright – and Rory Duff) to play the 'Hire a Hero Gorilla Rugby Team' at Newcastle before the Falcons/Saracens match the same day (the Gorillas are a representative team who play a number of matches to raise awareness of the Hire a Hero Charity http://www.hireaherouk.org/ which provides support for military personnel who have served our country.) Whatismore at half time our Minis will play an exhibition match. To round off a busy day there is our Annual Ball at the Thistle Hotel – I am delighted to report that this event is SOLD OUT! If you are still keen to attend the region's outstanding social event of the year and would like to add your name to the waiting list in case anyone drops out, details are on p16. And don’t forget the Lizard Run and the Golf Tournament.

SPONSORS Today we are delighted to welcome Ashley Deakin of Carlsberg, one of today’s sponsors, with thanks for his continued support. Carlsberg was founded 167 years ago by Jacob Jacobsen, being named after his son Carl and bjerg, the Danish word for hill, on which the brewery was built. The opening ceremony was a splendid affair – just ask Ian Horton, he was there, and was so impressed he has continued to lavish his unstinting support on the brewery's golden ambrosia ever since. And so, as a mark of respect, Ian, of Hertel UK, has also sponsored today's game. He started practising for this afternoon's celebration at noon last week, sat on a stool in the bar in front of the televised international. Late into the evening he was still staring at the screen...the TV had been switched off. Hertel is a worldwide organisation with its UK HQ in Middlesbrough; we are grateful for their support and I hope Ian and his guests from ConocoPhillips have a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

REFEREE'S CORNER It gives me great pleasure to welcome Jim Saunders for his very first visit to Acklam Park. I'm not sure how we've missed Jim, as he has been a referee for 14 years. In his playing days he played on the wing for the Army and at No 7 and hooker for the Royal Horse Artillery. Jim is from Grimsby and is self-employed, being a Director of his own flooring company. I hope he enjoys himself on his first visit to us.

And finally, although it may seem just a little early, as this is the last home game before the festivities start can I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year