North East 1 fixture of the day in Scunthorpe, when York, at second, plays first in the league . Scunthorpe are running away with a 100% record and 7 try bonus points in their nine game winning run and topping the table. York after a great win against Sandal are trying to chase down the runaway leaders, we have seven wins and four try bonus points. A top of the table contest is awaited with interest.

On an overcast day York are in their changed strip as there is a clash of shirts and this is not the only clash we are about to see. The match turns out to be a contrast in the styles of play – Scunthorpe’s catch and drive from the line out, against York’s set scrum.
Immediately we see these styles, from the kick off York are into the Scunthorpe 22m zone.

We are introduced to the Scunthorpe driving maul from line out, as the home side drive the visitors back some 35 meters. Then the first set scrum, Scunthorpe collapse under the intense pressure, giving away a penalty and so this trend continues throughout the game. This facet of the game becomes even more dominant and continues to be a valuable source of possession for the visitors.

From a quick tap penalty awarded to Scunthorpe, we see the power of their number 12, Lawrence Pearce who makes a powerful 50m break. This looks ominous, but the York midfield restricts any further danger. York are recycling and retaining the quick possession, Toby Atkin clearing the ball from the base at breakneck speed giving the outside backs time with the ball in hand. A Scunthorpe handling error on the 10m line sees AJ Peplinski pick the ball up, to find himself in space with the try line opening up, dashing the 40m to score unopposed under the sticks. This gives Harry Shackleton an easy conversion. The York backs are now beginning to play, bringing in runners from deep and creating space on the outside, impressive back play.

York are taking control at this stage, a charge down by Eddie Westerby from a goal line drop out, followed by a set scrum which is going for the line. The Scunthorpe line is now under siege, and with are series of penalties for York, we think a yellow card is imminent. Miraculously the Scunthorpe defence holds firm. More penalties against the home side and from 40metres two sweet kicks for goal by Harry Shackleton give York a comforting lead heading towards half time.

This game has a few twists and Scunthorpe mount an attack using their big line out catch and drive, driving York back some 30 meters towards their try line. The unfortunate Joe Simpson collapses the maul and a penalty try is awarded, and the offender takes a ten minute break. Half time Scunthorpe 7 York 13.

The half time estimated stats reveal:
Scunthorpe Possession 40%… territory 40%
York Possession 60%…territory 60%.

The second half commences briskly for Scunthorpe moving the ball to the blindside to the strong running quick no11, Will Robinson, who scores in the corner, the conversion is unsuccessful, as the game becomes intense.

The introduction of the strong running Lewi Jackson and Will Scholey give York the opportunity to cross gain lines and give forward moving ball carries. One such carry sees the “Raging Bull” (Lewi Jackson) receive the ball on the home team’s 22m line shrugging off four or five tackles to score under the posts. Harry Shackleton has a simple conversion. Scunthorpe 12 York 20

This comfort zone does not last for very long as Scunthorpe bite back and occupy the York 22m, then comes a line break from Ethan Heath-Drury who finds James Dyson on his shoulder to score by the posts. Ethan Taylor converts. Things are tight, we are being entertained to a nail biting final quarter. Scunthorpe 19 York 20

Scunthorpe are awarded a penalty on halfway, which fails, much to the relief of the York support. Harry Shackleton runs the ball out to the 22m, his quick feet resembling a contestant for the Strictly Come Dancing celebrity competition, and our lines are cleared to the Scunthorpe 10m line. The referee awards a penalty in front of the posts, every point matters, we watch in anticipation as Harry’s kick drifts past the right upright. Desperation from both teams as the light fades sees a bit of a boiling over with scenes of emotion.

No bonus point for York but we are very happy to come away with a win and a losing bonus point to Scunthorpe. A very close contest by two teams with contrasting styles.