YORK RUFC lost out to Heath but were happy to hold onto second spot in the Regional One North East Division.

A weekend of close rugby results all over the world, we had a cliffhanger at Clifton Park.

Both teams arrived with players missing due to injury but had full first and second team squads out.

This was a game attracting many penalties and unforced errors, the referee was kept very busy on a lovely day for Rugby.

Heath had a number of yellow cards in the second half, but York were unable to take advantage of the numerical superiority.

Heath’s Chris Johnson controlling the game from their number 10 with his kicking skills out of hand and off the kicking tee, he was able to distribute to his lively outside backs.

In contrast York wasted their opportunities missing points offered, two penalties drifting wide.

Heath take an early lead with two Johnson penalties, before an overthrow in the line out finds Joe Simpson at the tail to take the ball forward, a delicate chip kick sees him in space, he retrieves the ball as Ben Mills appears on his shoulder, a 2v1 and Mills sprints in for a superb try, with Liam Hessay converting.

We think now the floodgates may open as both scrum and line out begin to function, but Heath have other ideas as they bring their superior back division into play, good handling skills and keeping hold of the ball playing the phases sees Jack Malthouse score in the corner Chris Johnson converting. 7-13 after just 30 minutes.

The game is now dominated with multiple penalties and unforced errors making for a scrappy game,

The second half sees York kicking for the corners and from a line out a great peel around the tail and Joe Simpson finds Paddy Hayes, the ball is spread wide for the reliable George Davies to score in the corner, Liam Hessay lands a superb conversion. York 14 Heath 13.

The yellow cards appear for Heath, then Harry Shackleton makes one of his hallmark breaks beating many in his way towards the try line, as Paddy Hayes appears on his shoulder to score under the posts, Liam Hessay converting. York 21 Heath 13.

Heath now down to 13 men begin to rally, working the ball into the York 22 and driving over the line, the conversion hitting the post. York 21 Heath 18.

Throughout the game York are unable get that forward ball as the Heath defence stood strong, but it would be Heath to have the final say.

Moving the ball left and right going through the phases eventually working an overlap for Jack Malthouse to go over for the winning score, Chris Johnson converting. Final score York 21 Heath 25.

This was a game York could have won but have to be content with a losing bonus point.