u15s Take on 2022 Yorkshire Cup Winners

Our first away fixture to last year’s Yorkshire Cup winners turned out to be a challenge too far for our boys today, we knew it would be a tough morning when we were asked to play four 15-minute quarters as the Harrogate manager had a squad of 28 and had split them into 4 separate teams.

Selby were up for the challenge and our squad of 20 started the first quarter well, there was little between the sides with the forwards, especially Ryan and Kieron, bossing the rucks and Selby retaining possession against a well organised Harrogate side.

Despite spending a lot of time in the Harrogate half and 22 Selby were unable to breach the Harrogate try line, and it was the home side who scored the first points on 7 minutes where, despite some excellent defensive work, the Selby line was crossed and a conversion made the score 7-0.

Selby rallied and deservedly replied with the last play of the quarter with Josh F taking advantage of a penalty on the Harrogate 10 metre line and crashing over but with the conversion missed the score was 7-5 as the quarter ended.

From the 2nd quarter on the extra numbers made all the difference, as the home team changed 14 of their players to keep them fresh, Selby initially rotated three forwards to keep the team as agile as possible but rests were short lived as players being sidelined due to injury.

The first being to Dan G who took a heavy knock and thanks to the quick support from Carla and the referee was able to be treated on field and taken straight to hospital for checks and we are wishing him a speedy recovery.

Harry, Dylan, Billy and Dan J all picked up knocks throughout the second, third and fourth quarters and despite valiant efforts by the remainder, many playing out of position by the final quarter, the scoreboard kept increasing and by the time the final whistle blew it was 61-5.

Special recognitions also go to Sam A for player of the match from the opposition, and Joseph from the Selby coaching staff for stemming the tide for as long as possible.

We go again in 2 weeks against Ripon, but are training on Thursdays and next Sunday, where we can learn from the day and give those with knocks valuable time to recover.