REGIONAL 2 NORTH EAST
POCKLINGTON RUFC 29 – 14 SELBY RUFC
Report by Andy Green
Selby made the short trip to Pocklington this weekend for their Regional North East Two Game.

From the Pocklington kick off and only a few minutes into the game it wasn’t long before Selby were giving away penalties and putting themselves under pressure. Pocklington obliged by kicking for goal on both occasions and went into an early 6-0 lead. This gave Pocklington a real boost and playing much of the game in the Selby half the pressure was on the young Swans to try and hold out and not leak any further points but this was not to be. Pocklington put a kick through and although the Selby defence grounded the ball for a goal line drop out the Referee deemed that a Selby player was in front of the kicker at the restart and with Pocklington opting for a scrum close to the Selby line Pocklington pushed through for a try and even though the conversion was missed it moved them into a 13-0 lead.
Selby from the restart knew they had to lift their game and with some strong ball carrying and better defence it wasn’t long before they looked as though they were finally finding their game. The Referee then awarded a scrum to Selby for a knock on by Pocklington just short of half way, the ball was fed by Charlie Bramley and with the Selby pack holding firm Charlie picked from the base and went on a weaving run leaving the Pocklington defence in turmoil and scoring under the posts for a fantastic solo effort, the conversion by George Stoker was successful leaving Selby 13-7 in arrears.

Selby carried on playing with more confidence and with a penalty awarded just before half time they kicked for touch enabling their line out and maul to set in motion giving Captain Ash Parkinson their second try of the half and with a great conversion kick from the far right side of the pitch by George Stoker it put the Swans in front at the break 13-14.

With Selby kicking off the second half the game fell into a scrappy period for a short while with Selby giving away an early penalty which Pocklington kicked making the score 16-14. The home team were then awarded a scrum only 5 metres out from the Selby line which they took total advantage of going over for a try and although the conversion was missed it put Pocklington further in front by 21points to 14. Pocklington further turned the game in their favour when a 50/22 kick was successful allowing the Pocklington forwards to win the line out cleanly and with a strong drive and maul cross the Selby line for a try, the conversion was missed but Pocklington were in front by 26-14.
With only a few minutes left to play Pocklington were awarded a further penalty and deciding to kick for goal to bring the game to an end and with Pocklington taking the win by 29 points to 14.