The return game against the Royal Air Force saw the Yorkshire weather put on a typical display of late autumn rain, wind and cold. The sort of day where you should either be in the pack or in the clubhouse. The RAF were making their second appearance at New Lane, having beaten the home side 25-0 in the encounter last year.
The RAF clearly meant business in the return encounter finding themselves 0-5 ahead before RI had even realised the match had kicked off, strong running resulting in a try out wide. RI didn't get downcast though and soon were back level when good passing from a scrum saw Ruth Laybourn use her blistering pace to beat the defenders around the outside.
The RAF forwards were proving tough to handle as they rucked and mauled their way downfield to power over from 10 metres and go 5-12 ahead. The RAF played good phases with a forward always seeming to be on hand to drive the ball in again from each recycle of the ball. However, RI put on some pressure themselves with a scrum 10 metres out and again Ruth Laybourn scored - this time a short range effort seeing a weaving run from the open to blind side get through the traffic to score, 10-12.
The game of traded scores continued as a sliced clearance kick saw RI penalised for offside. From the penalty the RAF again scored - this time with a nice peel off the back of a maul 5 metres out. 10-17. The half drew to a close with some fierce running and equally fierce tackling seeing some injuries, in particular to the RI scrum half, Liz and prop Lisa. In a piece of luck regular RI no 9, Jess Frith, had returned from holiday that morning and so played the second half.
The second half started brightly for RI as a nice run from Julie Pease drew the player, created space for Su Walker to run and draw the fullback for Julie to take the return pass and score by the posts. The game was now level at 17 all.
The RAF kept up the pressure and kept making good ground with forward work and strong running but excellent defence from all RI players saw the line hold. Now it was the turn of RI to take the lead as, again, Ruth Laybourn found a small space and outpaced everyone for her second half-pitch length try and a great hat-trick. 24-17.
In the final 15 minutes the RAF were clearly desperate to score and were making all the play with great recycling of the ball and powerful runs again stopped only by great defence. 5 minutes from the end their efforts were rewarded with a try from close range to set up a nail biting finish. Fortunately the RI defence held firm and the final whistle was a joy to hear as York Railway Institute Ladies had beaten the RAF 24-22.
Excellent work and congratulations to all RI players who all had great games, by full time often out of position too. RI's forward of the match was Sarah Webster, a late but great last minute call up. RI's back of the match was fullback Anna Coombs - whose tackle a few minutes from the end saved a certain try and saved the game for the home side.
A thank you must go to the ladies of the RAF who played a great game with enthusiasm, skill and fairness. Finally a big thank you to the people and organisations who provided raffle prizes for the day. In particular: