u15 Away v Keighley

Another road trip for the boys last Sunday as sat nav’s were out for a trip to West Yorkshire as Keighley hosted the Selby u15’s.

Initial squad numbers were low with 19 set as available due to half term holidays, injuries and other commitments, and with a further 3 pulling out on the morning a final squad of 16 were kitted up and ready, willing and able to represent the club.

As the game kicked off it was the hosts who settled first, and scored two converted tries within the first 10 minutes to take a 14-0 lead.

Selby fought valiantly and despite a depleted forward pack strong tackling, notably by Charlie M, and Kieron forced the hosts to work hard for every metre gained. The boys began to provide greater resistance and came close to reducing the deficit on 16 minutes when Tom H touched down in the corner only for the referee to adjudge a knock on when grounding.

Keighley scored two further tries out wide on 19th and 24th minutes which were unconverted and the half time whilst blew with a score of 24-0.

The second half was a much more even contest as whilst low in numbers Selby showed their fitness and the possession and territory were much more even. But for a rushed pass and knock on Selby could have opened the scoring in the second half but it was the hosts who scored next, increasing their lead on 36 minutes, with a quick blind side move as Selby defended their try line, led by the Keighley scrum half creating an overlap allowing the winger to score (29-0).

With leadership from captain Lawrence, Sam and Charlie A and Dylan the remaining fit 15 Selby players were still able to make the remainder of the game a contest, tiring out the hosts larger squad with strong tackling and sustained periods of possession.

The hard work created a break for winger Tom H on 47 minutes, who beat his opposite number and sprint 40 metres to register Selby’s first points 29-5.

Selby fitness was on show for the remainder of the game as the hosts were forced to defend, good drives from Batsi and Alex S in the pods gained hard earned yards and with 2 minutes to go there was space out wide for Ben B to force his way over the Keighley line and score his first try in Selby colours. (29-10)

As the game clock wen into the red the hosts were quick to kick the ball out of play as Selby had certainly given them a contest in the second half.

The management and coaches appreciate the effort, commitment and attitude of all who played today and thanks to the parents for making the longer trip than normal to support us.