An 8-3 victory for Birmingham at 22 acres on Wednesday signalled the end of York’s rugby 1sts’ two year unbeaten home record, ending any chances the team had of progressing in this year’s BUCS Cup.
This match was the first time Alex Redshaw has led out the rugby 1st’s since the abandonment of Varsity due to waterlogged pitches, and the controversy surrounding the promotions cock-up.
The match did little to dampen spirits in the York camp, with much of the familiar so-called ”banter” being delivered to the Birmingham full back’s from the York following. Participating in a red-blue attire, Birmingham took first blood in the match – their early penalty conversion proving to York that they had a fight on their hands if they wanted to keep their unbeaten run.
However, a revitalised display from the hosts was capped with a penalty of their own just before the stroke of half-time, Tim Walker capitalising to draw the scores level. As the whistle signalled the half-time break, Birmingham were made to realise it wasn’t going to be easy going against a York side who weren’t wiling to give up on their home record too soon.
The second half saw Birmingham carrying on in much the same vein as the first, with the York defence having to sustain a barrage of Birmingham attacks. Despite York’s resistance it was inevitable that the Midlanders’ breakthrough would come, with the first try of the afternoon arriving ten minutes from time.
With only a matter of minutes to salvage their long-held and proud record, York’s Tim Walker was provided with the chance to draw closer to Birmingham with a second penalty conversion. However, to the agony of the home support the kick was placed wide of the posts. It was a kick goodbye to York’s home record, and signalled an end to a disappointing couple of weeks for the team.