York 3rds 14 vs. Selby 3rds 34

Central/North District League Division 2 Saturday 6th October
York 3rds 14 vs. Selby 3rds 34
This was fine match played at a ferocious pace. There was a good balance of youth & experience on display in a Selby team which delivered a cracking win to secure local bragging rights over their old rivals.
The Swans opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute with Leigh Adamson crossing in the far corner after good forward play had taken Selby up to York’s line.
Four minutes later the advantage was doubled as Paul Ray crashed over after further determined hammerings at York’s creaky defence forced an opening.
York huffed and puffed and managed a few halting forays over the half way line which Selby repulsed with interest as Jason Goodwin cantered over for a try converted by Leigh Adamson.
With half time looming Oliver O’Brien jinked out of his own 22 and, setting off on a mazy run, carved a swathe through the home side’s slumbering midfield only to be hunted down deep in opposition territory but not before dispatching a delightful pass under pressure to put Adam Roberts in for the final score of the first half
Turning around 22-0 in front Selby could be forgiven for expecting more of the same however York had other plans and pressed the Swans back into their own 22. Selby were hard pressed as wave after wave of intense York pressure crashed against their line.
Into the final quarter Selby managed to cast off the shackles and O’Brien managed to get on the end of a well worked move to further extend the lead. Jason Goodwin stole through for his second try with Ray Adamson adding the extras to take the game well beyond a York side who never gave up. They continued to knock on the door right to the death and were finally rewarded with a couple of converted late consolations tries as the Swans finally tired.
Special mention must be made for the outstanding effort put in by the youth in the Swans team particularly Adam Calvert’s thrusting runs and Paddy Rowntree’s shuddering defence. The experience was exemplified in key positions with Ray Adamson’s insightful promptings and Andy Bennett’s wit and energy.

Chris Roberts