Bradford Salem RFC 44 – 13 Selby RUFC

Report by Ian Marlow (Posted by Stephen Ward)

Selby’s recent run of poor form continued with a good old-fashioned thumping away at a resurgent Bradford Salem on Saturday that leaves the Swans sliding down the Yorkshire One league at a worrying rate.

Salem is always a difficult place to come to (even finding the place is a real challenge!) and Selby wins here recently have been as rare as the proverbial rocking horse stuff – and this match proved no exception. Alarms bells were ringing from the outset as, after an early penalty success for Skipper Josh Cruise, Salem’s strong running forwards and backs alike started finding gaps in the Swans’ defensive line with alarming frequency. Salem’s big No8 eventually piled over for a converted try before Selby’s own big 8, Liam Hogan, powered over himself – but a foot in touch ruled out the score, before Cruise again made some amends by slotted another penalty for 7-6 down.

More missed tackles allowed Salem in again after good interplay down the wing for 14-6, and it was starting to look like it may be a long afternoon for Selby. With the Swans struggling to compete in most aspects their scrummage was, at least, getting on top to minimise damage, but a golden chance to close the gap right on half-time came to nothing as a series of five metre scrums was repelled by Salem through a combination of ferocious defence by means fair and foul - that saw two of their players sin-binned for killing the ball, but still able to hold their line to see out the half.

Playing with a stiffening breeze, and still with only thirteen men, Salem effectively killed the game early in the second half, winning two early penalties to stretch away to 20-6. The rest of the half was nearly all Salem as, with their tails now firmly up, they continued to dominate play with their strong ball-carrying breaking through the Swans defences for several more tries and a very comfortable victory. Selby did have a decent spell of possession for a while, after Salem had taken their foot off the gas, and good carrying by player-coach Jay Robinson, who had another excellent match in adversity, led to hooker Jamie Dentith crossing for a consolation try. It was all too little too late though and Selby were looking a bit of a sorry sight come the final whistle.

Selby now face Dinnington at home this Saturday (kick off 14:15) and they must take this defeat on the chin, re-group, and redouble their efforts for another Yorkshire One battle.