Selby u18 Pens -v- mixed teams at Scarborough

Report written by Saffron Farrington, u18 Player
The third weekend of matches saw Selby under 18 girls travel to Scarborough for a mini festival playing against teams from Scarborough, Hull, York and Malton.
The first game saw Selby play a well organised Scarborough team, whose early pressure paid off and despite great defence from all the Selby players Scarborough sneaked over for a try under the posts. The girls responded as they know how, which was to attack with quick hands out to the flanks and were unlucky not to equalise, going in at half time on top, despite being 7pts behind.
The second half started with unforced errors on both sides, but again Selby showed strong running and tackling with intent. While looking to equalise, they were caught unawares when Scarborough kicked through to again score under the posts for a second converted try.
Scarborough were now on the front foot and quick hands to the wing saw the home side go in for a third try despite the best efforts of Sophie Naylor on her debut game, with the game finishing 19 - 0 to Scarborough.
The second game saw Selby come up against a combined team from Hull, Scarborough, York and Malton. The first half started with good passing and completed sets from both teams with Selby especially keeping the ball alive at all opportunities.
The combined opposition opened the scoring with a 60m run, even though the referee missed a forward pass and and a scrum which was formed with a player short.
The rest of the first half was a scrappy affair which was soured by an injury to Harriet Baker- Csordas who had to be carried off with a serious ankle injury.
The injury inspired the girls in the second half with several players making good breaks through the oppositions defence, and the pressure paid off with Charlotte Carter going over in the corner to equalise.
Selby stepped up another gear and more strong running, intelligent passing and increased respect of the ball saw Bethany Leigh go over for a second Selby try to take the lead which they held on to until the final whistle with the game ending 10-5 to Selby.
The final game was a combination of Selby, Hull, York & Malton against the home side Scarborough. The Selby girls who were involved as always, ran strong and tackled hard at every opportunity with Izzy Stevens getting a well deserved try.
As a team finding their feet in this age group, Selby are getting stronger, girls are getting fitter, quicker and more aware of how to win a game of rugby, they play with a smile on their face and are there for each other. The team spirit is something you can see which is stressed to them by the hard working coaches and team management.
Next Sunday sees the Pens' first Cup match away at Sandal.