NORTHERN DIVISION – YORKSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION 1.
YORK RUFC 39 – 15 SELBY RUFC

Referee – Mr. Chris Lunn – East Yorkshire Society

Selby produced an error-strewn display at Clifton Park on Saturday and suffered another heavy defeat, this time at the hands of their big-city neighbours York. A poor pass to centre Charlton McCoy as early as the 2nd minute, gifted York centre Russ Downey with a simple converted interception try. York went on to build a useful 24 points to 3 lead by the half time break, mainly through the boot of excellent full back John Dawes and went on to lead by 34 points to 3 after 55 minutes. Despite enjoying a 10 minute purple patch at the start of the final quarter, in which they scored 2 tries, one of which was converted, Selby failed to stop York scoring their fourth and bonus point try, losing by 39 points to 15.

Selby stuck largely with the squad who had narrowly beaten Pontefract at Sandhill Lane last Saturday. The backs were unchanged apart from positional alterations with Iain Adamson switching to full back with Ben Lunt back on the wing and Charlton McCoy moving to centre. With Dan Porter still unfit, Josh Cruise retained his fly half berth. In the forwards Matthew Wood returned at flanker in place of Duncan Phillips who was still required on the bench in place of the unfit Sam Broughton. Andrew Pocklington and Charlie Cicero also started on the bench.

York took the kick off on a bright but cold Spring day with a stiff breeze blowing across the ground. Selby looked comfortable in possession but a loose pass to centre McCoy was wrestled away by York centre Russ Downey who strolled over for a simple interception try converted by full back John Dawes and an early 7 points to nil lead. Selby then had the chance to reduce their arrears when York were penalised for going over the top but Cruise’s excellent penalty attempt, which looked to be going over, swung just wide at the last moment. York increased their lead on 14 minutes with a John Dawes penalty after which Selby’s injury concerns worsened with second row forward Tom Cobley limping off to be replaced by Charlie Cicero. Another 2 penalties, both for offside, were conceded by Selby in the 21st and 25th minute and both converted by Dawes for a 16 points to nil advantage prior to Andrew Pocklington and Duncan Phillips replacing Ben Booth Martin Protheroe respectively. Only 3 minutes later another dropped ball gifted York their second try with winger Toby Atkin the recipient followed by a rare conversion miss by Dawes. Selby at last get on the score board with an excellent 38 metre penalty from Cruise after 32 minutes but after Protheroe came back on for the injured Jacob Robinson after 39 minutes, York restored their 21 point advantage with another John Dawes penalty after Selby were penalised for holding on and went into the break leading by 24 points to 3.

Things got worse for Selby in the second half after a succession of penalties were conceded on the 51st minute mark with skipper Duncan Hardy yellow carded and John Dawes kicking the resultant penalty to put York in front by 27 points to 3. Only 4 minutes later, a remarkable burst of speed from Dawes saw him speed past the Selby defence for a third try for York which he converted himself for an unassailable 34 points to 3 advantage for the hosts. After 58 minutes, Selby had their first real pressure of the match on the York 5 metre line which resulted in a yellow card for Dawes with centre Alex Arthur caught short of the try line but with the ball then spread wide, winger Kevin Lamb went over for the try near the corner – no conversion and with Hardy back on after 62 minutes, Selby continued to press forward. Two minutes later a close range tap penalty saw Martin Protheroe thunder over for Selby’s second try and give Cruise a straightforward conversion – but that’s about as good as it got for Selby – Ben Booth replaced Tom Bell at this stage with Selby looking as if they may prevent a bonus point try for York but it was not to be with poor tackling allowing winger Charlie Nicholson the try in the corner after 70 minutes. Dawes, who had just returned after his yellow card, missed the conversion – the only remaining action of the match came on 76 minutes with an ambitious 48 metre penalty attempt from Dawes which dropped short with York taking the bonus point win by 39 points to 15.

This was a poor performance from Selby, despite the forwards more than matching their counterparts, and they will have to play much, much better if they are progress to the Yorkshire Shield final and complete their return to Yorkshire 1 with a top 5 finish.

Next Saturday, Selby attempt to reach their 3rd Shield Final in the space of 5 seasons when they host Scarborough at Sandhill lane with a 3 P.M. kick-off. On Saturday 22 March, Selby return to League action when basement club Acklam are the visitors to Sandhill Lane on what promises to be a very busy ‘Sponsor’s Day’.