u15s Stormed Through for a Great Win

It was the final home game of the season for the boys and Sandal were the visitors for the occasion along with Storm Kathleen. Fortunately the only thing she brought was some strong wind which fortuitously had blown away all the confetti from the celebrations from the First Team winning their league on the same pitch the previous day!

Selby had a squad of 17 for the game and were up for the challenge following a close defeat in the cup to the same opposition in recent weeks.

Selby played into a strong wind in the first half, and from the first minute were challenging and fighting for every yard knowing any kicks would blow straight back. Despite the wind advantage the visitors were unable to take advantage and it was Selby that scored the first points.

Phases of controlled play took Selby from their own try line to the half way where Josh F saw a weakness in the Sandal defensive line and fighting through defensive tackles was slowed up 10 metres short but Billy was on hand to take the offload and score the first try after 8 minutes, Sam A added the conversion and Selby led 7-0.

Sandal did pick themselves up and score a try of their own on 13 minutes and reduce the deficit to 7-5 but it was the hosts that remained the stronger team for the half. By keeping the ball close and patiently advancing up the field, Sandal defence kept the Selby forward out until the 28th minute where Billy took advantage of fast rucks and once on the visitors try line was able to dive over and score his second try, again converted by Sam A to increase the lead to 14-5.

There was no further scoring action and this remained the points at half time.

Selby had the wind in their sails after a strong first half, and also with the wind at their backs, and the boys started the second half with purpose.

Within 2 minutes of the restart the pressure resulted in a penalty 40 metres out and the Josh F kick sailed over the posts (and almost into the gardens behind) to increase the score to 17-5.

Instead of pushing on for more there was a period of lack of concentration by Selby and they were rightly punished by Sandal who with a couple of penalties conceded, and loose tackling by the hosts, broke into the Selby 22 and on 45 minutes burst over the try line and with the successful conversion reduced the arrears to 17-12.

This score woke Selby up again and the forwards did what they did best, build pressure, and within three minutes were controlling possession in the visitors 22 again. Once again, with Billy orchestrating the direction of play and, after a couple more rucks Selby were within 5 metres saw a space and dived over for his third try, and had enough energy to pick himself up and also kick the conversion for a 24-12 lead.

Selby took possession from the latest restart and within 2 minutes had another penalty and Josh F once again slotted over a long range attempt to increase the lead to 27-12.

The remainder of the match was a little scrappy with knock on’s by both sides leading to broken play and little scoring action.

Sandal took advantage of some of this scrappy play to take advantage of a Selby knock on, and with the hosts expecting the referee to blow for a scrum picked up the ball and ran through a defensive line on 58 minutes and score their third try of the game and reduce the arrears to 27-17.

Frustrated by this the Selby boys did not want their home season to finish with that score and tried to finish the game on a high. They chased down the kick off, forced a knock on and had a scrum on the Sandal 22.

From a strong base, Lawrence took the ball within 5 metres and Sam was on his shoulder to take the offload. Some very quick feet saw him evade three defenders before a swan dive over the line and with him converting the try Selby completed the scoring and their home season with a 34-17 victory.

All 17 had given everything today, bodies where battered and bruised after a long season but to experience the winning feeling once again was the least they deserved.

Thanks to the parents for their support in making the late kick off, and hopefully enjoyed the entertaining game and the 100% efforts of their offspring today!

One more game to come, an away fixture at Castleford on Friday 26th April, and we approach the final game in good spirits!

Selby 34-17 Sandal (HT 14-5) Friendly

Selby Try Scorers:
Billy (3)
Sam A

Conversion:
Sam A (3)
Billy

Penalty
Josh F (2)