Huddersfield YMCA 12

Driffield 16

(Yorkshire I)

YMCA were knocked off their perch at the top of Yorkshire I for the first time this season after losing their second crunch game in succession, to be replaced by Saturday’s conquerors, Driffield.

There was very little to choose between the sides, both scoring two tries. But in the end the difference probably came down to the visitors having the sheer bulk, more experience, better discipline and ultimately the greater nous.

A bitterly cold Laund Hill day was made far worse by the descent of heavy mist which made much of the second half action indiscernible from the touchline and at one point was so bad, there must have been the chance of an abandonment before full time.

And that would have worked in YM’s favour, as the first time they conceded the lead in the entire game was 10 minutes from the end!

The early indications showed that YM were more than equal to their bulkier counterparts and after a missed long-range penalty from Gavin Stead, they surprised most people with a fabulous forward drive to get the first try.

From a line-out catch almost 20m short of the try-line, YM’s forward produced a monumental shove, driving the big Driffield pack backwards until they crossed the whitewash and Mark Whitehead was there to claim the score.