York RUFC secure dominant victory over old rivals Cleckheaton

Skipper Ross White returned alongside Luke Stockton, whilst Liam Hessay was forced to withdraw due to injury, George Davies, a player who can cover many positions stepping up at full back.

York started very positively, occupying territory and retaining possession of the ball, creating multi phases, moving the ball forward with dominant ball carrying from the big forwards and controlling the game territorially during the first twenty minutes.

Then Cleckheaton broke out for the first time in the game into the York 22m, York conceding a penalty in front of their own posts, for Dale Breakwell to convert.

At this stage, Cleckheaton were stealing line- out possession and relieving the pressure that York was putting on their opponents territorially.

But there was a stout defence from Cleckheaton to resist the quality ball carrying from York creating forward momentum with the crossing of gain lines thereby occupying the opponent’s 22 meters for long periods.

This pressure from York eventually led to the Cleckheaton skipper being sent to the “bunker” for a no arms tackle.

After 27 minutes, an attacking line out on the 10-meter line saw a ‘salmonesque’ leap from Archie Fothergill, taking the ball off the top of the line out, to feed Toby Atkin who beat two defenders then raced untouched over the line, near the posts, for Harry Shackleton to convert.

A very rare visit to York’s 22 led to an inside pass for Cleckheaton’s, Richard Noble, to score a well taken try, Dale Breakwell converting after 35 minutes.

Lewis Jackson’s introduction as an impact substitute had an immediate effect, showing his raw power, the jinking Archie Fothergill reminiscent of Jason Robinson, a delight to watch. Ball carries from all the forwards making ground, giving a penalty opportunity for Harry Shackleton, who dispatched to draw the scores level heading into half-time.

An unforced error at the kick off by York allowed Cleckheaton to exert pressure in the York 22m, then a failed field goal attempt by Dale Breakwell, released the pressure on the York line.

A ruck on the Cleckheaton 22m saw the creation of a blind side, a sweet dummy and quick footwork from Harry Shackleton opened up the space for him to go over for the try, which he was unable to convert, with the score now 10-15.

York were now taking complete control of the match with their forward domination, forcing Dale Breakwell to chip the ball in his own 22 to allow Jonty Atkinson to recover the ball and counter attack with the support of George Davies, transferring the ball to Mitch Ashman in midfield, he breaks the defensive line to run in for a try, from 35 meters for Harry Shackleton to convert.

A penalty from Harry Shackleton widened the gap, now Cleckheaton are under even more pressure this takes the game away from the home team, securing victory for York, 10-25.

York continued to dominate possession of the ball at this stage but keeping cool heads, recycling the ball and Archie Fothergill was on the outside to score, handing York the victory over common enemy over the years.