YORK RUFC began their new season with a narrow defeat to Alnwick

There can be no more picturesque place to play the first away game than Alnwick, one of the jewels of Northumberland.

York had travelled with several players missing for various reason but welcomed one of their close season additions, Josh Shepherd playing at blind side flanker. Number 8 Shane Goulding also featured having not played a great deal last season due to injury.

York kicked off and immediately took the game to Alnwick and after 2 minutes were awarded a penalty which Liam Hessay kicked. 0-3 to York, who from the kick off went back to the home side’s 22 and after 7 minutes gained a penalty 5 metres out.

It was quickly taken by scrum half Toby Atkin who touched down to make the score 0-8. The conversion fell just short but the perfect start for the visitors.

It could have been even better 2 minutes later when York broke and only had the full back to beat but the pass was poor, and the chance was lost.

York kept the attacking attitude which gained them a penalty, which was kicked to the home side’s 22, from the line out a drop goal by No 10 Harry Shackleton was the reward. 0-11 after 14 minutes.

Unfortunately, that was the last score of the half for York. They seemed to drop a gear, got on the wrong side of the referee, and conceded too many penalties.

Whilst York were initially able to defend and frustrate the home side, eventually the pressure told and their large centre could not be stopped.

The conversion was missed, 5-11 after 26 minutes. Within a couple of minutes York’s situation got worse, they gave away 2 penalties and were then marched back 10 metres for back chat and Toby Atkin was yellow carded.

Alnwick kicked the resultant penalty to take the score to 8-11 after 30 minutes. York supporter’s concern was that further scores would follow but to their credit York made light work of being a player down, took play to their opponent’s 22 and earned a 5-metre scrum.

Heading into the second half, York conceded a penalty, although kickable a scrum was taken and eventually the pressure told and the home centre scored a try after 12 minutes.

The conversion was missed, Alnwick now had the lead 13-11.

Although York defended well it was at the cost of another penalty which was kicked. 16-11 after 20 minutes.

The momentum of the game then dropped as the heat began to tell and neither side threatened until after 30 minutes York received another yellow card. It looked bleak for them; Alnwick took advantage and after 36 minutes kicked a penalty to take the score to 19-11.

York now had to score twice to secure a win. To their credit they felt a further score was there and helped by Alnwick conceding a penalty from the kick off and then being marched back 10 metres.

York kicked to the corner and from the line out their catch and drive resulted in a try by Paddy Hayes. The conversion was missed and was the last kick of the game, with the final score being 19-16.