York’s rugby 1st XV banished the memories of a year ago, when they let a 17-0 lead slip and slumped to a 20-17 defeat to Leeds Met 2nd XV, by beating the same side 35-13 on Wednesday.
Much like last November, a dynamic first half display propelled York into a commanding half-time lead, but this time they were more clinical.
Although they didn’t manage to rediscover their intensity of the opening half hour, UYRUFC never allowed Leeds back into the game, preventing the away side from registering even a point in the second half after going in 21-13 down at the break.
The York back line played with fluidity and pace – Watson and Powis ran onto the ball from deep and made a huge impact in midfield. Leeds Met struggled to deal with Watson in particular, and the inside centre was rewarded with two tries, one either side of half-time.
However, it was wing Will Sharp who stole the show, bagging himself a hat-trick which including a storming 80-yard score from a breakaway deep inside his own half.
It was his third and final try that was most encouraging though – Sharp came off the wing and burst through the middle of a tired Leeds defence – a move which highlighted the adaptability within this season’s back line.
Behing every good back line is a solid set of forwards, and this was certainly the case on Wednesday. Stand-in captain Adam Gaskell produced a typical performace out of position at second row whilst Tim Ross was outstanding at flanker.
UYRUFC 1st XV have pushed hard for promotion to the Northern Premier in the last two seasons and missed out both times. Sheffield and Liverpool’s 1st XVs will provide stiff competition again this time around, but if York can continue to be this clinical, this could be their year.