All the Rugby Union action from this year’s Roses:
Women’s Rugby Union
Lancaster’s fantastic rugby union Women’s side proved to be one of the success stories of the Roses weekend as they destroyed York with an inspiring and thoroughly deserved 48-0 victory.
At the start of the game, both teams looked fairly equal with the York attack looking threatening and forcing a try saving tackle just short of the Lancaster try-line. Some great attacking play led to the first try; Amanda Spencer took advantage of a stretched defense and some good offloading to open the scoring.
From this moment onwards, a rampant Lancaster turned up the tempo with tries from Ellie Sutherland and a brace from the inspirational Alex Simpson, whose unstoppable breaks down the left and right wings left the York tacklers in absolute disarray. Captain Robyn Smyth added to the score in the second half after another successful attack down the right wing.
The undisputable try of the game came however from full back Catherine Jones. A clearance kick was chased by centre Alex Simpson who managed to get boot to ball. This attack from nothing then found the hands of Jones in support who crossed over to seal a much deserved victory for the fantastic Lancaster side. Not only had they proven their superiority in attack but their defense held up for the full 80 minutes ensuring York’s effort remained pointless.
Men’s 1sts
In front of a crowd of over 2,000 people and a buzzing atmosphere at a packed Stadium in York, Lancaster 1sts found themselves unable to suppress the attacking dominance of the home side who battled to a 30-8 victory.
Lancaster charged out the tunnel to the tune of a marching march complete with some dazzling pyrotechnics in front of a crowd which enjoyed much York support.
Lancaster held their own in the first half putting up a brave and convincing defensive display. The initial stalemate ensured that points came slowly, coming when they did from the boot of centre Anthony Coulson and the York fly half.
A fantastic and well worked try saw Lancaster break the deadlock in the 36th minute, a kick to the wing by Harry Roe being gathered and touched down by Edouard Whyte after a lightning quick sprint down the left flank.
It did not take long for York to level the score, capitalizing on an incident of ill discipline near the Lancaster five metre line to beat their way through Lancaster’s strong defensive line to bring the score to 8-8 at half time; a thoroughly convincing score line for which was a tight half of rugby.
Following the slight disruption caused by a lone daredevil streaker, play resumed with a York try in the 45th minute. A daring break by York’s scrum-half managed to evade the Lancaster defense to score under the posts. It looked as if York had scored again until the referee pulled back play having spotted a forward pass. A spirited Lancaster continued to fight on with pressure from the forwards forcing penalties from York. The attacking effort from the home side proved too much for Lancaster however and further York tries in 63rd minute and at the death of the game saw the final score finish 30-8 to York.
Men’s 2nds
York managed to scrape the points in a close match where Lancaster kept their determination to see the game through to a 19-11 defeat.
The Lancaster Cats came onto the pitch with focus and immense support from their teammates on the side-line, to see them initially into the lead.
York came back strong and attacked ferociously in Lancaster’s half but the Cats defended well with great tackles from Elliot Fowler and Andy Laverick.
Despite the fact that York upped their score to 19, Lancaster never looked as if they were giving up. As determined as ever, the team gained possession and slotted the ball into the corner. The success of the resulting line-out followed by a drive over the line by Pedlo saw the final score read 19-11.
Men’s 3rds
Lancaster started strongly against the York side and dominated possession. With ambitious play they soon saw the score line read 6-3 in their favour with thanks to Liam Fitzpatrick.
However, despite the impressive scrumming and defence from the Cats, especially Chris Webb and Matt Barrett, a couple of breakaway tries and conversions from the home-side soon saw this change. The score line finished as 17-6 to York, which truly did not reflect the competitive and equal-sided nature of the game.
Captain of Lancaster Ed Harrison, praised his team for their tremendous effort: “It was a shame about the score but it was a great game overall. Steve Tagg and Harry Warsop were exceptional.”
Rugby Sevens
The rugby union women began their fantastic weekend of form with victories for their rugby sevens 1st and 2nd sides. The first team edged to a 12-7 victory over York whilst the seconds enjoyed much more of an attacking performance with a 26-5 victory of their own.
In what resulted in more a battle for pride for the men’s rugby sevens sides, the Cats found themselves unable to stop a rampant attacking performance as the men’s 1sts, 2nds and 3rds all slumped to disappointing defeats. The 3rd team lost 24-7 to York with their single try coming from Edouard Whyte. The seconds saw a 12-38 defeat with tries coming from Rob Field and a penalty try for an illegal tackle near the line. Lancaster’s 1sts lost 38-0 after a six-try frenzy from York.
