First Down

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Photos: Philip Mourdijs

In a pulsating encounter, York Centurions powered their way to a deserved 34-32 victory over a Bradford Bears side which competed admirably. It was a mammoth battle lasting more than 210 minutes, which brought the best out of everyone involved.

York raced into a 12-point lead before falling 26-18 behind in the third quarter, after a flurry of Bradford touchdowns. But with just two minutes to go in the match, the Centurions remarkably found their way back, pushing the game into overtime.

And it was almost dark by the time York’s Matt Freeman passed exquisitely to Sam Parke who touched down, before Bradford failed to convert their two-pointer, leaving the away side celebrating a truly sensational comeback.

The contest was York’s first ever BUCS clash. While travelling west in the morning, left tackle Toby Salisbury, who has been with the Centurions for the last three years, told of his promise to York Sport President Charlotte Winter: “We have told Charlotte we are dealing in BUCS points this year. We’ll bring home as many points as we can.” Today they undoubtedly delivered.

Defensive captain Fred Isaac added: “We’re looking at a new formation today. The Centurions are known for power, but we want to change to a faster style of play, posing much more of an aerial threat. We’ve got a great spirit in our squad and should do well.”

That spirit was certainly illustrated throughout the first quarter, as Ollie Bates made a fine tackle on his York debut to deny the home side.

The Centurions’ offence wasted no time and propelled to a 12-0 advantage, with receiver Seb Booth and running back Sam Parke touching down, but both two-pointers were unsuccessful. Just before the second interval Bradford halved the away side’s lead when their tank of a player, Steven Zurheide, ran 30 yards and embarrassed the York defence. It was looking good for the visitors, though, who dominated the first half.

But the third quarter began just as the second ended, with the Bears pulling off a terrific comeback, soaring into an 18-12 lead. Heads seemed to drop for the visitors, and it took the enthusiastic chants and songs from the sidelines to lift the men in white.

Just as in any classic, it all happened in the final fifteen minutes. Quarterback hulk Rob Wickham brought York level, but a 60-yard run and two-point conversion from the home side looked to have sealed a hard fought win with just minutes remaining. Sam Parke, however, thought otherwise. His brave catch from a pinpoint pass left York needing just the two-point conversion to take the encounter into overtime. Indeed they got it, with the ball finding its way over the line after some superb build up play.

With the final whistle sounding merely moments later, the match went to overtime. Much like a penalty shootout, both teams were given the opportunity to touch down in their possession, but if one side failed, it would be game over. Nerves began to bury their way into both sets of players and it was now all down to mentality. York, after fighting until the death, held firm and converted their touchdown, piling pressure on the Bears’ offence in their final possession.

They couldn’t prevent Bradford from touching down but, soon after, elation erupted from the away end as the Bears lost the ball, leaving the final score at 34-32 to York.

From sharing the eye make-up in the changing room and congratulating their opponents on a great game, to their banterous team photo and collective spirit, the Centurions gave a terrific account of themselves.

Their mentality was super; each and every player went into the game trusting their teammates were all up for the job, none wanting to each other down. And all the effort and commitment paid off; meaning the official beverage of choice – Frosty Jacks – could be deservedly enjoyed.

It was a truly fantastic day for all; the players, coaches and spectators. The evening came to a close with the more confident Centurions, after enjoying a curry and sambuca on the house, entertaining the bus home by trying their hands at singing and rapping some true classics.