One kick away

The first game of 2024 was at home and started evenly. Both sides were thankful to be back playing, but a lack of training due to holidays and weather led to fumbles and stumbles in the first 5 minutes. Eventually the teams settled and Selby started to move the ball nicely, forcing Pocklington onto the back foot, leading them to kick defensively. Selby reacted well to this and continued to press until full back Sibley scooped a kick from the half way line and proceeded to dance around the opposition to score. Unfortunately this would be his last action of the day as a rash challenge from the opposition after the ball was grounded forced him off. A tight kick was not converted.
Pocklington drove into the corner for the second score and their hugely talented kicker made light work of the tight angle. This was followed up by another Pock try, to take the score into the break 5-12.

The second half started brightly with Nycek showing a clean pair of heels to dive over the line. (unconverted), followed by Leighton showing the speed and nimbleness of a winger for a wonderful second in a short period of time, taking the score to 15-12.

A further Pock try was matched by Janus continuing his excellent tally for the season and going into the final play of the game, Selby were leading 20-19. The Selby team soaked up Pock pressure and were desperate to hear the final whistle, but instead were penalised for a high tackle close to the touchline. Number 10 for Pocklington, who had been excellent all game dully made the kick look easy. Final score 20-22. The Selby squad were deflated but should be proud of their efforts and spirit.
The coaches reiterated how proud they were of the boys and singled out forwards Moore and Howarth for strong play as well as the ever-versatile Bugg for good handling.

This week’s man of the match was awarded to Szymanski for a dominant performance.