YORK RUFC ended an unbeaten record at the weekend with a 20-19 victory over top-of-the-table Scunthorpe.

The North East One fixture of the day was in Scunthorpe, when York, in second, took on first in the league.

Scunthorpe were running away with a 100 per cent record and seven try bonus points in their nine game winning run, topping the table.

York were looking to follow up an impressive win against Sandal whilst trying to chase down the runaway leaders.

The match turned out to be a contrast in the styles of play – Scunthorpe’s catch and drive from the line out, against York’s set scrum.

Immediately we see these styles, from the kick off York are into the Scunthorpe 22m zone. Fans were introduced to the Scunthorpe driving maul from line out, as the home side drive the visitors back some 35 meters.

Then the first set scrum, Scunthorpe collapse under the intense pressure, giving away a penalty and so this trend continues throughout the game. This facet of the game becomes even more dominant and continues to be a valuable source of possession for the visitors.

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From a quick tap penalty awarded to Scunthorpe, the power of their number 12, Lawrence Pearce who makes a powerful 50m break. This looks ominous, but the York midfield restricts any further danger.

A Scunthorpe handling error on the 10m line sees AJ Peplinski pick the ball up, to find himself in space with the try line opening up, dashing the 40m to score unopposed under the sticks. This gives Harry Shackleton an easy conversion. The York backs are now beginning to play, bringing in runners from deep and creating space on the outside, impressive back play.

The Scunthorpe line is now under siege, and with are series of penalties for York, a yellow card is imminent. Miraculously the Scunthorpe defence holds firm.

More penalties against the home side and from 40 metres, two sweet kicks for goal by Shackleton handed York a comforting lead heading towards half-time.

This game has a few twists and Scunthorpe mount an attack using their big line out catch and drive, driving York back some 30 meters towards their try line. The unfortunate Joe Simpson collapses the maul and a penalty try is awarded, and the offender takes a ten minute break.

The second half commences briskly for Scunthorpe, moving the ball to the blindside to the strong running quick no11, Will Robinson, who scores in the corner, the conversion is unsuccessful, as the game becomes intense.

The introduction of the strong running  Lewis Jackson and Will Scholey give York the opportunity to cross gain lines and give forward moving ball carries. One such carry sees Jackson receive the ball on the home team’s 22m line, shrugging off four or five tackles to score under the posts.  Shackleton has a simple conversion. 12-20.

This comfort zone does not last for very long, as Scunthorpe bite back and occupy the York 22m,  then comes a line break from Ethan Heath-Drury who finds James Dyson on his shoulder to score by the posts. Ethan Taylor converts.

After a tight and nail-biting ending, York defended their win for a 20-19 result.

No bonus point for York but we are very happy to come away with a win and a losing bonus point to Scunthorpe. A very close contest by two teams with contrasting styles.