THE new York RUFC Women's team played their first-ever game - and won 22-5 away to Ossett Ladies.

The team, according to the club, took to the field with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation, yet gave a superb display of largely intuitive rugby.

The Clifton Park newbies started positively and some strong tackling saw defence turn into attack, before good handling from the backs allowed Ellie Seagrave to cross in the corner.

Further good ball retention and strong carrying put pressure on the Ossett defence, and eventually number eight forward Jess Hall powered over for a 10-0 advantage.

Sustained pressure on the York line saw Ossett deservedly cross for a try of their own, cutting the deficit to 10-5 on the stroke of half-time.

In the second period, Ossett used their substitutes to good effect, bringing on some strong players, with one particularly powerful carry reminding the York girls of the importance of tackling low.

However, wave after wave of Ossett attack was repelled with stoic defence, with every York player getting stuck in. Further tries were added in the second half by fly-half Ruth Whitehead, who sold the defence a dummy and crossed under the posts, and Seagrave, who rounded the defence out wide for her second.

At the other end, York just about hung on, with a mixture of organised defence and last-gasp tackling ensuring the home side didn’t cross the whitewash again.

The joint players of the match were named as Kelly Feetenby, who had a busy day in both attack and defence, and Seagrave, who looked a threat with ball in hand.