Foresters use pace and power to overwhelm York

There were outstanding performances throughout the Wharfedale side, a brace of tries for Eddie Gill, Will Lawn and Tom Oakes and scores from Jake Parkinson, Jacob Taylor, Joe Fawcett, Sam Mason and Rory McNab, who also converted nine of the tries scoring 23 points in the game.

McNab personifies this year’s Foresters, a young talent in his first season of senior rugby he has grown in confidence and ambition as the year has progressed and on Saturday he was in his element; distribution, kicking and game management were all excellent and he rounded it off with a superb individual try, showing pace and strength to beat a host of defenders.

This Foresters's squad has talent, team spirit and togetherness which enhances and compounds individual skills.

Highlights included the first score in the first minute; started, continued and finished by flanker Fawcett who made a strong break and run from his own half, then stole the ball in the tackle and chased a kick through from Lawn to score.

Wharfedale’s scrum half Lawn had an excellent game, sniffing openings when none seemed available and his pace and power made him the back-row’s nightmare.

The Greens’ back division had a field day, making the most of the quality possession provided by their gritty young forward pack.

Despite being less experienced and often much lighter than their opponents, this Foresters' eight are rarely bettered and will tough it out when required and show their skills and pace at the appropriate moment.

This approach was typified during the game by second row Jacob Taylor. In the close exchanges he was a battering ram, but he also flew down the wing, beating opposition backs for pace and setting up a try for winger Oakes.

The line-out worked well, with captain Tom Whyte in imperious form and the scrum held firm against a huge York pack.

Coaches John Metcalfe and Rob Burnett have developed a talented side who are a joy to watch.

DAVID COLGRAVE