Accident prone but unbeatable

University of York 42 - 5 York St John

With the appearance of an ambulance during the match for one York player, and separate post-game hospital visit for another, York still managed to completely dominate St John and deliver an impressive win towards the end of Spring term

Written by Chrissie Leahy

Despite the score, the St John girls, as usual were worthy competition and after York’s victory over them in the league, they wanted revenge. But York, eager to implement several new techniques worked on in training also needed a win in order to boost confidence for important forthcoming matches.

The game kicked off well, and York was immediately on form, with a particularly well-formed defensive line. Consistently hard tackles from York kept St John at bay but contributed to several minor injuries that thankfully only hindered the players momentarily.

The first try was not long in coming, with captain, Kath Stokes, on particularly good form storming forward from her fullback position to take a quick pass from the backs towards the try line, handing several St John opposition off her along the way.

Stokes, however, was not the only player storming through St John defence as consistently throughout the match both forwards and back players ploughed through three or four defenders, before finally being brought down. Of course, there was without fail a group of forwards (or in some cases, enthusiastic backs) there to back them up, and drive over the rucks to maintain the majority of possession. The relentless attack forced St John slowly backwards, and their defensive line became increasingly staggered, and with an onslaught of York backs launching themselves at the try line, the defence was unable to keep up. An unlucky fumble, however, turned over possession and St John were in with a chance to fight back, but they lost their chance, and two flying tackles later, the ball was back in York hands and Stokes threw herself over the line for the second try.

The game continued on, with York dominating and both backs and forwards putting points on the board. Vice-Captain, Rachel Clarke and Emma Cooper both scoring impressive tries in the first half; Clarke finishing off a relentless push from the forwards, and Cooper pulling off a beautiful feat of diversion with inside centre Jiff Higman, before powering through any remaining defence for the points.

Unfortunately St John also made a break for themselves and after an unfortunate missed tackle a speedy St John back was able to break through and put 5 points on the board for St John. With the rest of the game to play York were not about to allow a comeback for St John and rallied for the second half.

This half still saw much of the same impressive play with Stokes scoring yet another try, early on. Unfortunately this is where the injuries started to become serious. After a storming run into the competition, Kirsty Wheeler hit the ground at an odd angle, landing on a problem shoulder and putting pressure on her neck. Play continued as Kirsty was moved off the pitch wrapped in foil and transported to hospital in an ambulance.

But the bad luck didn’t end there, scrum half Emma Hodgson, while placing the ball out of a ruck got her hand stamped on. When it turned a peculiar shade of purple, her team mates forced her off the pitch and rapidly rearranged the line-up, despite her protests that she still wanted to play despite the obvious pain.

The new line-up was inexperienced in their new positions, and the loss of Hodgson who had scored five out of five conversions was a worry, but the team still put in a tremendous effort, and the players adapted extremely quickly to their new positions. Having completely rearranged the back line, and reshuffled the pack, York’s well-practiced structure still held fast. The final play consisted of the York forwards occupying the majority of the defence with a series of successful mauls. The ball was quickly and precisely handled out to wide to winger, Rachel De Quidt on the wing for the final try.

York, unluckily for St John, were on their best form, and every single player played the game to their very best which contributed to the feeling of a true team victory. Special mention goes to Roshni Durve who played her first rugby match ever, and contributing to the team victory.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.