History was made on Sunday as Lancashire and Yorkshire contested the very first Mixed Ability Rugby Counties fixture, and the occasion more than lived up to its billing with a thrilling, high-scoring encounter that swung dramatically from start to finish.
Lancashire began brightly when Benny reacted quickest to a loose ball at the ruck, diving over for the opening try. Matty added the conversion to give Lancashire a 7–0 lead. The early momentum continued as a clean line break saw Benny cross the whitewash, with Matty once more converting to stretch the lead to 14–0. Yorkshire responded with a well-taken try of their own, breaking through a defensive gap 14–7. Lancashire hit back with a move from close range, finished emphatically by Captain Spencer, converted by Matty 21–7.
The home side continued to play with confidence. Leo chased down a perfectly weighted kick to score, followed by another successful conversion, before Dominic finished a sharp break down the wing after great work from Evans, pushing Lancashire into a commanding 35–7 lead with Yorkshire responding just before half-time to close the gap.
Lancashire pushed on with Ryan picking from the base of the scrum to score, the conversion drifting wide. Yorkshire replied with two quick tries before, Evans Ojuruwa, having a standout game, scooped up a loose ball five metres out and finished with authority to extend Lancashire’s lead to 45–28. However, Yorkshire persistence paid off with a remarkable comeback, scoring three unanswered tries to edge ahead 45–49 in the closing stages. With tension high, Lancashire showed immense character with a powerful maul driving over the line and Elias grounding the decisive try to reclaim the lead 50-49!
The match ended slightly early due to a serious injury to a Lancashire player, though spirits remained high, highlighted by the casualty finishing a well-earned pint before heading to hospital — a moment that perfectly captured the camaraderie and character of the occasion. All in all, a landmark day for Mixed Ability Rugby and a match that will be remembered for its quality, drama and spirit.
Final Score: Lancashire 50–49 Yorkshire
Yorkshire POTM : Leon Taylor
Lancashire POTM: Evans Ojuruwa
Good luck to Nick with his recovery following surgery.
Thanks to Sedgley Park RUFC for hosting and all their help during the day.
Thanks to Yorkshire, MADREFS, Bolton, Littleborough, Leigh, Aldwinians, D3 tape and Tryit rugby for their support.
