Selby 21-33 York Selby (HT 0-19) Yorkshire Cup R1

Sunday was Yorkshire cup R1 action with the boys being drawn at home to York, and with some very intense training sessions the mood in the u16 camp was positive. The team was almost at full strength for the first time this season with 21 very capable players, giving the opportunity for fresh legs to come from the bench and they all gave it 100%.

Unfortunately for the boys, they came up against a very well organised York team with their forwards dominating possession from the first whistle and Selby spent most of the time defending their own line. For all the possession Selby were only breached three times on 14, 23 and 33 minutes with the first and the latter converted to give the visitors a 0-19 score at half time.

Whilst the scoreline was a blow, the effort could not be faulted. As the second half started Lawrence lifted the Selby forwards and the boys were able to control the ball, enjoy long periods of possession and valuable territory.

On 46 minutes the Selby dominance paid dividends and after six phases of play the hosts were on the York tryline where Dan G was able to force his way over from close range in the corner, and Joe converted a touchline conversion to reduce the arrears to 7-19.

The game then remained tight with Selby going close on another two occasions, both times ending up being held up over the line giving the visitors chances to clear their lines with goal line drop outs.

A rare break from York on 55 minutes proved to be the pivotal point of the game, with the visitors finding a gap in the Selby defensive line and breaking three tackles to score under the posts. With the try converted York had a 7-26 lead; and with Selby boys still reeling from this another score followed five minutes later to leave the score 7-33 with 10 minutes remaining.

Whilst under the posts as the conversion sailed over captain Dylan lifted his team, reminding them of what they are capable of and whilst the match was lost the team went down with pride.

The last 10 minutes was all Selby. With York penned back in their own 22, Dylan himself forced his way over into the opposite corner and Joe kicking the conversion from the other touchline on 65 minutes to reduce the arrears to 14-33 and as the clock ticked red too many infringements on their own line by York led to Selby being awarded a penalty try to make the final score 21-33.

York were deserved winners on the day but Selby boys can certainly hold their heads high for the effort and commitment.

Training again on Thursday, where coaches are looking to build on the positives from todays game, ahead of next week’s tour to Newcastle with a packed schedule from Friday until Sunday with 19 lads able to make the trip.