Selby RUFC 32 v 49 Middlesbrough RUFC

Report by Ian Marlow

Selby returned to league rugby with another defeat against Middlesbrough that keeps them rooted to the foot of the table but in scoring six tries of their own the Swans provided further evidence of a turnaround in their performances that gives some hopes for the future.

Selby’s forward dominance, particularly in the scrum, continued from last week but also continuing was their inability to turn pressure into points. And as so often has happened this season, the disappointment of a missed Selby penalty kick was compounded by a try from Middlesbrough who were confident throwing the ball around all afternoon. Selby’s pressure did then lead to an unconverted try for Danny Wilkinson playing assuredly at scrum half before Middlesbrough cut loose again with poor Selby tackling allowing two further tries to move well ahead on the scoreboard.

It was to Selby’s credit that these setbacks did not lead to any collapse in confidence or performance, as has been witnessed before this season, but instead seemed to act as a catalyst for renewed effort which showed the recent improvement in resilience of this young team. Firstly winger Harry Cruise squeezed into the corner for another unconverted try before Selby’s forward domination finally paid off with a line out catch from Jack Hebdon, who was excellent all match, giving the big boys the chance to trundle over with Ben Booth providing the coup de grace.

With the half coming to a close and the scores still tight Selby then showed their inexperience and weakness as from a position of control they disappointingly lost possession to allow Middlesbrough to score again to take the wind from Selby’s sails at half time.

Any chance of Selby regaining their momentum after half time was negated as yet another bugbear of the season resurfaced as they shot themselves in the foot with another silly yellow card. Middlesbrough duly took advantage with a catch and drive try before Selby returned the favour with one of their own – Ben Booth again being the man in possession as the ball was dotted down. The next twenty minutes belonged to Middlesbrough as they continued with their assured handling to score two more tries but, again, Selby were not for cracking and came back to earn their own Middlesbrough yellow card after sustained pressure on the opposition line. It was Selby’s chance to take advantage of the extra man and indeed they did with two further tries from Liam Hogan and, to complete his hat trick, Ben Booth again taking advantage of the work of his fellow forwards to grab the glory with an injury time try.

While the final scoreline of 32-49 indicates a relatively conclusive loss the try count of 6-7 against gives a better indication, not just that Middlesbrough converted most of their kicks at goal while Selby did not, but that the teams were much more closely matched than the scoreline suggests. Given that Middlesbrough are a good top of the table side this should give cause for optimism that Selby can, with a little bit more experience and composure and the return of some key players, still turn the season around and start to move up the table.

Next Saturday Selby are playing away with an interesting first league fixture against Old Rishworthians who were promoted last season - and while the Old Boys will be an unknown quantity the Swans will be hoping to build on recent promise with a win.