Yorkshire RFU

Cumbria 28 Yorkshire 26

After starting off like a train Yorkshire were eventually overcome by a spirited and resurgent Cumbrian side yesterday at Penrith RUFC. It has to be said the best U18s boys for the home County for some time in my memory.

That said it should have been as it was 19 points to 7 to Yorkshire at half time thanks to a dominate front row with prop Oliver Drayton (2) and Hooker Will Carver powering over. Henry Clegg converting two from three.

A golden opportunity to put the game to bed was missed early in the second half after a clever Clegg cross field kick was caught by flanker Evan Warren Lambert who was knocked into touch in the act of passing what would have been a clear try.

Thereafter the hosts however gathered momentum with two quick fire tries on the back off spilt possession and a great turn over from their MoM no 7 Johnny Swallow.

Replacement front rower Noah Glossop scored a try for Yorkshire converted by Henry Clegg with 15 minutes to go to regain a slender lead 21-26.

But on 10 minutes left Cumbria broke through the middle despite Yorkshire pressure to score under the posts with ensuing conversion now two points clear.

Yorkshire piled on further late pressure to be awarded two penalty kicks in the final minutes but both sailed by in a late effort to snatch back an increasingly unlikely victory despite earlier dominance.

Congratulations must go to the Cumbrian coaching team for gelling together such an enthusiastic and cohesive performance.

We await the North Selectors calls to Assessment Day now at Keighley RUFC on 25th Jan 26 with anticipation.

Final thanks to the Yorkshire Coaching Team of Matty, Robbo, Pipes & Wayne and Physio James for your continued support of the Yorkshire U18 County rugby. To Andrea for stepping up to replace our beloved Maureen.

To players family and friends be proud of your efforts and enjoy your rugby whatever the future holds.

Merry Christmas one and all