Selby RUFC 14 – 25 Skipton RFC

Two tries in the final 5 minutes condemned Selby to their first defeat of the season against a committed and workmanlike Skipton team who were without a League win before Saturday’s match. Had Selby taken the opportunities that came their way they could have been out of sight before conceding those 2 late scores but a series of missed kicks at goal and an inability to finish things off was to cost them dear.

Indications that things were not quite right were evident from the first kick off. None of the Selby forwards was able to claim possession, a scrum was conceded and from it Skipton were awarded a penalty and with scarcely 2 minutes on the clock Selby were already 3 points down, Jonathan Richards making no mistake from 30 yards out.

A scrappy game was to follow with Selby only occasionally showing glimpses of their true potential, Skipton trying everything they knew to slow down possession at the break down and a thoroughly disjointed performance all round. Skipton were able to extend their lead following a second penalty after 19 minutes, but free flowing rugby was in short supply and it was not until close to half time that Selby were able to play through the phases and establish a scoring chance in the Skipton 22. The Skipton 8 was penalised at the ruck and yellow carded. Selby chose to take a tap penalty and Martin Protheroe, on as a replacement for Adam Wass, was unstoppable from 8 yards out. The successful conversion by Alex Webster gave Selby a slender half time advantage, leaving the crowd expecting the home side to capitalise after the break with the elements in their favour.

After an early penalty miss by Alex Webster, the home crowd were shocked to see a break by the Skipton backs which saw winger Lucas Wootton one on one against his opposite number, good foot work making the room for him to cross wide out on the right for a fine individual score.

Selby’s response was positive and immediate. Forcing a scrum at the kick off Selby worked a well rehearsed move in midfield and Alex Webster was on hand to break through the last line of Skipton’s defence and cross under the sticks for a try which regained the lead and a conversion which gave Selby a 3 point advantage at 14-11.

Although they were unable to extend their lead Selby looked the team most likely to take the spoils until just 2 minutes from time when a kick deep into the Selby 22 gave Skipton the chance to pressurise the home defence. A poor line out followed by a dreadful pass from the ensuing ruck passed the advantage to Skipton who made the most of the opportunity by fashioning a score for Matt Spears which Jonathan Richards was able to convert from under the posts.

As the game entered the final minute a kick out of defence by Skipton was fielded by Ollie Saunders who launched an attack from inside his own half. As Selby looked to move the ball wide quickly a pass from Alex Arthur was seized upon by the Skipton flyer Lucas Wootton who was able to run unopposed under the sticks for his second try, the subsequent conversion robbing Selby of a losing bonus point.

With plenty to work on and another tough fixture facing them this week, the young Selby squad will need to realise the importance of preparing properly mentally for all League fixtures and making sure that the basics are completed efficiently and effectively, regardless of what the opposition offer.