For the first home game of 2023 York welcomed Heath, one of Halifax’s many rugby union teams. They were promoted last season and have had no difficulty in adapting to the league, having won 10 of their 13 games and as a result sitting third in the league. York played them away in mid-October when they were well beaten 30-6 and hoped to avenge that defeat and to put behind them the disappointment of last weeks last minute defeat to Driffield. York were at full strength but were missing their regular No 10 Declan Cusack. Despite the torrential rain over the last few days the pitch was in good condition but there was a strong wind blowing down the pitch.

York played with the wind in the first half, and it was quickly apparent that Heath’s position in the league was no fluke. They were well drilled, played with confidence and the backs ran and passed at pace and linked well with their forwards. York had difficulty getting into the game and gave away a number of penalties. Heath opted to kick for touch, they won the lineout, kept the ball in the forwards and there was a certain inevitability when they scored from a rolling maul after 15 minutes which was not converted.

From the kick off York went on the attack and spent time in the Heath half but could not capitalise and were soon back in their 22. After 24 minutes the Heath centre drifted through some poor York defence to score in the corner. Fortunately, it was not converted but York were down 0- 10 after 24 minutes. It was beginning to look ominous for the home side, but they regrouped and took the game to Heath which resulted in a penalty from a very strong scrum. York kicked to the corner won the line out and a period of pressure resulted in Joe Maud going over for a try which George Davies converted. The score was now 7 – 10 after 30 minutes.

York then allowed their concentration to drop, failed to control the ball and conceded a penalty which Heath kicked to touch in the home sides 22. From the line out they kept the ball in the forwards and after a series of drives for the line the York’s defence buckled and conceded a try under the post which was converted. 7-17 after 35 minutes.

It was vital that York scored next. They won the ball from the kick off and after a number of infringements by Heath the referee lost patience and yellow carded their No 8 when play was in his 22. York opted for the scrum, won the ball with no difficulty and in the last play of the half after good play by both the forwards and backs centre Jonty Atkinson touched down. The try was converted by George Davies who was having a good day with the boot. The half ended with the game finely poised at 14-17.

York started the second half stronger than the first, but it took 7 mins before a good break by fly half Harry Shackleton, making his debut, took York into the Heath 22, they infringed, and York’s George Davies kicked the resulting penalty to tie the score at 17 each after 10 minutes. From the kick off York had to defend and although they had chances to do so failed to clear their lines. They were then helped when 2 Heath players received a yellow card within a couple of minutes of each other after 14 and 17 minutes.

Could York make the numerical superiority play? Regretfully not to the extent expected, and indeed it was Heath who retained possession and controlled the ball for the next 5 minutes and looked the more likely to score. They kept the ball tight and drove for the line. Only stout defence kept them out. Eventually York managed to get their hands on the ball after a Heath infringement and good interplay between forwards and backs took play to the Heath 22 where they infringed. The ever-reliable George Davies kicked the penalty and York now had a narrow lead of 20-17 after 33 minutes.

Could they see out the game and secure the win? After last week the York supporters had their doubts but the team did not let themselves down and the remainder of the game was spent in the visitors 22. They played with fluidity and confidence and only further infringements from Heath resulting in a further yellow card prevented a further score. The game finished with York on the attack and looking for further points. It was a well-deserved victory which during the first half appeared unlikely and reflects the team’s grit, determination, doggedness and refusal to give in.

Next week York travel to Ilkley with a home game the following week against Paviors.

photos : https://www.yorkrufc.co.uk/photos/york-rufc-20-v-heath-rufc-17-1046347.html