At the final whistle, Coach Stoker was full of positive superlatives for his squad, although the first 5 minutes were a different story.
With Ripon receiving the first kick, it seemed that Selby had forgotten how to tackle as the catcher nearly ran straight through, starting a sequence of well executed phases by the home team. Upon turn over, Selby’s first attacking move looked fluid, until a telegraphed pass was intercepted for the first converted try. With the score at 7-0, it was game on, with Selby forwards dominating led by tenacious Tehan and captain Toye, who was rewarded with a try after a pick and go. Undeterred by the angle, Kealey dispatched the conversion. This pleasing period of multiple direct phases was to be repeated throughout the game, with every member of the Selby squad articulating training sessions in a game situation. With Ripon reduced to 14 men, Toye, in a repeat of the earlier try, once again muscled over, but this time was held up. The following clearance kick fell to Sibley who rode tackle after tackle (some high) to make good yards and was then called into play again, scooping up another kick. This resulted in a one handed off load to Janus for the second try, converted by Kealey. Sibley was injured in the process but this team has cover for every position, as versatile Fairfield moved into fullback. Moreover, the try was a result of the forwards applying the pressure, with Moffat and Langhorn relentlessly moving the ball deep into the Ripon half, causing last ditch clearances.
Undeterred, the home side mounted a sustained attack and were themselves rewarded with a try, that was not converted. What followed was a firmly fought contest with both sides defending well until winger Wood cleverly stole possession from a line out and used his speed to gain advantage back. With this shift, the pack started to move the ball again into the opposition’s half. With time running out in the half, Tosney executed another pick and go for a try, once again converted by Kealey.
At half time the score was 12-21.
In previous games, Selby have been guilty of letting their concentration slip in and the start of the second half could have seen a repeat of this as Ripon came out fighting. Selby stood strong with excellent defensive play from Kierans and Leighton, both playing in different positions. With Ripon’s discipline waning, magic booted Kealey kicked a penalty, but was yellow carded later in the half. Ripon made the extra man count and scored a late try.
Tired bodies on both sides were glad of the final whistle, with Selby victorious 17-24. The post-match review from Stoker highlighted their flare in attacking and stone wall defending.