York U14 v Ionians U14

Ionian's entertained York at Brantingham Park and suffered only their Second defeat of the year. Both teams were up for the challenge and the game was full of commitment, strategy and talent.

While York enjoyed early possession and territorial advantage it was Ionians who took the lead after 12 minutes. Good hands by the Ionians backs saw them progress to the York line, and only stout defence held up the Ionians forwards from scoring. However, from the resulting scrum, Charlie Kirk playing at stand off showed some individual brilliance to kick over the advancing defenders heads to collect the ball himself and run through from 20 yards. 5 to 0 to Ionians. A quality piece of individual play.

Good runs by Charlie Cade, James Malcolmson saw Ionians advance but York were able to clear their lines through the boot of the backs.

The remainder of the half was spent in the middle of the park with good tackling, rucking and counter rucking giving equal opportunity to both teams to advance upfield. however the teams cancelled each other out and at half time the scores remained 5 to 0 in favour of the home team.

The second half saw changes to Ionians team, however, within a minute from the restart York had levelled. Ionians were on the back foot when allowing the ball to land on the restart, and York pressure caused Ionians problems, and eventually the ball came to Yorks wing who ran in from 10 yards.

Soon after as Brad tried to clear the Ionains line, a charge down led to Yorks second try, suddenly York led 12 to 5.

Ionians stepped forward and tried to take the game to York, and through good hands and aggressive running, they closed in on the York try line. WITH Ionians sniffing an opportunity from a York scrum on the opponents 5 metre line, the ball was won by York who promptly hoofed it upfield, for the backs to run on to, the ball was collected by the York attackers and from moving through hands, York were able to transfer the ball full length of the pitch to score an excellent team try. 19 to 5.

7 minutes from time James Malcolmson picked the ball up and ran through 5 or 6 tackles to score a typical robust try and with Kirk kicking the conversion, 12 to 19 , all was still to play for.

Both teams continued to press and opportunities arose, but strong tackling created the handling errors that stifled progress for both teams. The final play led to the final points, when York won a line out and while the attacker was well tackled by Harry Cawood, in getting the pass away at the last moment he set up the winger to score and the final result was 24 to 12 in favour of York.

Well played to both teams, good commitment, plenty of passion, and lots of skill and determination on show.

Ionains tries : Charlie Kirk, James Malcolmson
conversion : Charlie Kirk

Man of Match : Charlie Kirk