VICTORY was snatched from the jaws of defeat by York RUFC 'A' at West Hartlepool.
They were trailing 29-26 in injury time when the home side conceded a penalty five metres out.
Instead of taking the easy three points on offer York skipper Joe Nasson opted for a quick tap penalty which saw Rob Allen spin the ball out to Tom Copeland, whose superbly weighted grubber kick saw Rob Liddle beat two defenders to the touch down. Fly-half Copeland converted with the final touch of the game.
It was the final act of a thrilling see-saw game which saw York leading 26-12 until Wests got their noses in front with three late tries.
York opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a try by former St Peter's player Oli Butler, who was making his debut at prop.
Jim Hawcutt, outstanding at No 8 for York, combined with Copeland to set up Liddle for a great solo try. Copeland's kick made it 12-0.
York continued to press and were rewarded when scrum-half Matthew Boyle, making his first appearance in a York shirt for five years after breaking a leg, scampered over. Copeland's conversion gave York a healthy lead but Wests scored a converted try just before the interval.
West Hartlepool's forwards drove over for an unconverted try but York eased the pressure when Copeland charged down a kick, collected the ball and raced over for a converted try.
That gave York a 14-point but in the end they had to conjure up a piece of last-gasp magic to secure a thrilling victory.
York 2nds entertain Scarborough at Clifton Park on Saturday, while the York first team travel to Selby for a North Yorkshire derby non-League game.
Updated: 10:31 Thursday, December 11, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article