Derby day! As the referee blew the final whistle, arms shot up in the air, Rowntree’s players, smiling from ear to ear, walked proudly off the pitch, bathing in the kind of elation that is only possible by winning a closely-fought game against rivals from across town. Festivities to follow surely would be as memorable as the win... And then I bloody woke up.

Well, it happens...tough day at the office, un jour sans, as they say on the other side of Brexit negotiations. In spite of a start with a bang, which saw Trees spending time in RI’s half, multiplying carries and showing great support play. Unfortunately, these efforts remained fruitless, owing to the well-organised defence of the hosts. After this first quarter, RI woke up and confiscated the ball for the rest of the afternoon and imposed their rhythm, which, well, made it more complicated for the visitors to score points. Rowntree worked tremendously hard in defence, but this eagerness to rush forward meant that the off-side line was sometimes deemed more porous than the referee was willing to accept; long story short, prop Jack Gabbatiss received a yellow card for off-side. RI led by 12 points at half-time, and not even magic oranges prevented the hosts from scoring another 12 points in the second half. Not much to report about said second half, except maybe an increasing frustration both on and off the field: first fly-half John Hatton was sent off for ten minutes for issuing verbal guidance to the touch judge a little too forcefully. Then our dear injured Mandarin Comrade, Dave Harder, was sent away from the side lines to labour camp as a reminder that one must respect the decisions made by the Chairman of the Game. Shortly afterwards, the latter blew the whistle on the score of 24-0 to York RI.

All in all, whilst this result was not what Trees had hoped for, there are still lots of positives: everyone works hard, defensive communication is improving, and, with lots of new additions to the team, players are learning to play with one another. Next game see us host Hessle, currently 5th in the League just behind Rowntree at Mille Crux, on Saturday 5 October. Kick-off for this fixture at 15:00.

Squad: J. Gabbatiss; R. Roodt (C); M. Ford; T. Eaton; T. Smith; G. Hampshire; T. Wyles; Z. Hardy; R. Cames; J. Hatton; E. Hampshire; S. Protheroe; A. O’Gara; J. Porter; M. Cames.

Finishers: M. Thorpe; G. Neill; H. Smith; M. Welsh; M. Thomas.

Nestle Rowntree (York) RUFC

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