York RI welcomed a familiar Preston Grasshoppers team to New Lane, York were promoted last season along with Preston from the old North 2 division. Last time York won 22-12 so were hoping for a repeat performance. RI kicked off and the larger Preston side immediately started to make gains with some strong runs and good possession. RI kept in touch and battled back with some good phases and a strong run from prop Lisa Wiles making good ground. RI were the first to break through as winger Ruth Laybourn outpaced the defence to score the opening try and covert her own effort.
RI kept the pressure on with good phase play and an excellent kick-off return from Rachael Harrower. An excellent break and support play between Julie Pease and Ruth was stopped with a slightly forward pass, a move that deserved a score. Preston kept pressuring RI and got on the score board with a try following a penalty for offside. RI redoubled their efforts and Julie Pease was stopped just short of the line to finish the half.
The second half started as the first finished with two matched sides trading possession. RI again were the first to break through with Ruth scoring following good passing from Julie and Anna Coombs. Anna then extended the lead gratefully taking a generous pass from Ruth to score by the posts. The conversion saw RI 21-5 ahead and that is how it remained.
The final 15 mins saw good pressure again from Preston who were unlucky not to score but credit to RI's defence which was excellent. A good game played in a good spirit, thank you for the match Preston - look forwards to visiting you later in the season. Final note - excellent debut from Kate, well done on the man of the match performance!