Luke Cowdell hands off an attempted tackle
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After recent heavy rain the referee complimented 'Ensians on the state of the pitch. The showers had blown away leaving pleasant conditions but with a stiff Westerly breeze.
Playing into the wind 'Ensians went straight into the attack and after only 2 minutes slick passing led to an unconverted try by Connor Bateman in the corner . The Home team continued to press and after 15 minutes a neat switch of play between Olly Eaves and Luke Cowdell resulted in the latter scoring a try converted by Jake Bentley
Five minutes later in their first foray into the home 22 the visitors evaded the defence to score a good try by Josh Prenley converted by Dave Harder to make the score 12 points to 7 in favour of the home team "blues". 'Ensians continued to spend most of the time in the visitors 22 and after 30 minutes Paddy Phipps crashed over for an unconverted try and on the stroke of half time from a scrum swift passing along the line gave Luke Cowdell a bonus point second try converted by Jake Bentley to give a half time score of 24 points to 5 for the 'Ensians.
The second half started with Nestles "reds" attacking but astute use of the wind by outside half Olly Eaves gained a penalty ,and quick thinking by Jake Bentley caught the reds defence in disarray and he went over for the try which he duly converted.
Although the visitors were on top in the scrums and the lineouts were patchy at times the 'Ensians were outstanding with their swift backs and good passing ,Joe Tindall having a particularly good game,The forwards all worked hard in the rucks and mauls, with Harry Gillson outstanding, ensuring the backs had a good supply of ball.This was used to good effect with a classic try by speedy winger Eithan Heede and a clever chip ,run and try by Olly Eaves raising the score 41 points to 5 for the blues.
Not to be outdone the reds came back giving the home team some nervous moments ,but using the stiff breeze a great kick followed by a superb tackle by Eithen Heede resulted in disarray in the visitors defence and a try by Luke Garnett converted by Jake Bentley
(48—5)
Nestles came back again and afer 30 minutes their heavier scrum gained a hard earned unconverted pushover try scored by Zac Hardy .
Finally in injury time from a lineout gained by Sam Featherstone the ball was opened out towards the wing and then cut back for Ross Nicholls to score the home team's 9th try converted by Jake Bentley making a final score of 55 points to 12 points.
Both teams ensured that this was an attractive game to watch for the spectators all credit being due to Nestles for competing to the end. From 'Ensians point of view this was probably their best display for over two years.
John churchman
Yorkshire 4, week 5
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