L 36-14

Scarborough slipped to a 36-14 defeat to league leaders York despite putting in a spirited performance at Clifton Park.

With coach Simon Smith, away on holiday, Matty Jones took charge and fielded a relatively strong side with Chris Purdy and Nino Cutino returning to the fold. His team however started slow and allowed York the perfect opportunity to open the scoring. Having won a penalty in the corner, the Clifton Park outfit mauled towards the line and Joe Maud used his momentum to cross over the try line. The conversion was missed to leave it at 5-0. On the tenth minute mark, the home side extended their lead thanks to a quickly taken break from Joe Simpson who off-loaded to scrum-half Toby Atkin who made easy work of the opportunity. With the kick converted it stretched the lead to 12-0. The persistent pressure continued from the league leaders and they added another converted try to their tally in the 17^th minute. The ball was spread out wide and Luke Stockton eased over the line. The travelling supporters were finally given something to cheer about in the 22^nd minute. The penalty was quickly taken by Jordan Wakeham and after good work from Tom Harrison, Euan Govier was able to power his way through for a converted try. With the game at 19-7, the visitors began to turn the screw and dominated the remainder of the first-half with them coming agonisingly close of the York try line on numerous occasions.

Jones’ side started the second-half in similar fashion and began on the front foot. Despite the pressure that was built, the home side extended their lead in the 47^th minute as they broke clear of the defence and Atkin doubled his tally. The conversion was put over by Liam Hessay to leave the scores at 26-7. The Silver Royd outfit showed their spirit and responded with a converted try of their own. The ball was threaded along the line and a late pass from Billy Parker presented Jonty Holloway with the chance to cross over for 26-14. The league high-flyers then began to make errors in the middle of the park but Scarborough struggled to take control. With just minutes left on the clock, the home side scored an unconverted try in the corner for 36-14. The game was brought to an end just moments after but Scarborough should be proud of their efforts today despite falling to a defeat.

Teams

Scarborough: 1. nino cutino stuart smyth 3. joe nellist 4. luke brown 5. will leah 6. euan govier 7. drew govier © 8. chris purdy 9. jordan wakeham 10. tom ratcliffe 11. angus frend 12. billy parker 13. komiti tuilagi 14. jonty holloway 15. tom harrison
Substitutes: 16. will rennard 17. sam pollock 18. sam jackson (all used)

Scarborough News "Man of the Match": euan govier

Euan played a vital role in his sides defence and managed to bag himself a key first half try. Nino Cutino also put in a strong performance.