YORK RUFC had to dig deep into their character and grit on a wet afternoon at Driffield, to overcome the Papa John Cup holders in an uncompromising encounter that is so typical of this fixture, running out eventual winners 18 points to 10.

York have made a solid start to this year’s campaign arriving at Kelleythorpe with three consecutive wins under their belt, standing just ahead of Driffield in the league by virtue of the losing bonus point secured in their only defeat by Alnwick.

Driffield have made a similarly impressive start with their only loss against league leaders Harrogate.

A win was an important outcome for both sides looking to consolidate their position at the top end of the table. 

York’s preparation wasn’t perfect, already having to select two back row forwards in the second row, further late changes were enforced by Avison being taken ill on the bus on the journey over and Atkin delayed due to work commitments in the morning; former York colt Tino Mulase came on to the bench and Frank deputised competently at scrum half until Atkins arrival.

Both sides tested each other out with early exchanges in the loose, Driffield forwards carrying strongly but York tackling up to the test. 

Shackleton opted to keep York in the Driffield half with probing kicks that kept them turning.

The pressure paid off with York securing a penalty after only five minutes, with Hessay slotting it comfortably between the uprights to give York the early lead 0-3.

Frank had deputised some Driffield pressure well until Atkin made it on to the pitch after 15 minutes, just before Driffield brought the scores level with a penalty kick from 30m out. 3-3.

The Driffield pressure was starting to have an impact with some mistakes creeping into York’s game.  The effect of the size and weight of their pack, particularly in the scrum, starting to become apparent, as the Driffield eight decided to try a different tactic, delicately chipping over the York defence and came very close to scoring but for the defensive effort of newcomer Mills who managed to get to the ball first. 

York pounded the line with drives from Scholey and Jackson before Mills completed the front row symphony crossing to the left of the posts. The try converted by Hessay, York restored the lead 3 – 10.

Playing well into injury time there was one last fright for the York spectators. Strong running by the Driffield centre broke the gain line on the halfway before he managed to make a great offload to his colleague coming at pace into the inevitable gap on his shoulder.  He surged behind the first line of defence, neatly stepped past Hessay and was on his way to the line but for the tireless Simpson. Seemingly at full stretch he managed to tap tackle the flying attacker with his fingertips and bring him to the ground. York regrouped, cleared their line and the half-time whistle went.

The second half went pretty much like the first though the rain was heavier and the ball wetter if that were possible.

York pressed the Driffield line only to be held up. Driffield returned with equal pressure, managing to secure phase after phase and not drop the ball, it looked rather like last year’s game at the same venue.

Evans had to leave the field with what looked like a broken nose after he had used it to stop another drive from Driffield.

The relentless pressure persisted and Driffield eventually managed to get over the line under the posts.  The game tied again at 10 – 10.  York returned with a penalty to take the game to a slender lead 10 – 13.

In past years York have not shown the composure they needed to close out a game at this stage, but this year is different.

Despite the relentless pressure, York stuck to their task and made good decisions. One by Hessay who, having seen the space behind the Driffield defensive line, lofted a lovely kick from his own half securing touch near the Driffield 22 to relieve the pressure on York.

York made the most of the position securing a kickable penalty. Atkin had other ideas and quickly tapped and ran. Quick thinking and even quicker feet saw him over the line for a magnificent individual try, but the conversion was missed, as York extended their lead to 8 points

Driffield needed two scores to win, but York held out to secure a solid victory. 10 - 18.