Same Again

On the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup spectators visiting Sandhill Lane were treated to a second half display of running rugby that was almost as pleasing as the last of the September sunshine. With underdogs Japan upsetting South Africa later in the day, Selby 2nd XV delivered an upset of their own beating Wath Upon Dearne from the league above 36 – 15 to maintain their winning start to the season.

As with the Japanese victory this performance was built on a platform of gritty 1st half forward play with David Blaymire and the errant Ash Parkinson to the fore leading the pack through endless phases tiring out the Wath forwards. With Wath hardly touching the ball in the first fifteen minutes Selby’s excellent ball retention led to Josh Booth crossing the line to score the only try of the first half.

Aided by Selby’s high penalty count Wath began to establish a foothold in the game and with both Ed Clark and Tom Ambler sent to the bin to rue their misdemeanours the defence had to work doubly hard to ensure going in at half time with the score at 7 – 3.

As the second half started the first score was always going to be crucial. Back to a full complement Selby turned on the style with backs and forwards interchanging passing leading to captain Clark taking a flat ball from second row Joe Romaniw to dot down under the posts. 14 – 3.

With winger Patrick Keetley finishing a well worked backs move to score on debut and involved for a Kev Lamb try the game seemed to be moving away from Wath. But as Selby’s penalty count crept up again Wath scrambled over for one and were awarded a penalty try for another. 24 – 15. Digging deep into their reserves the forwards established the platform again and an try from the ever elusive Tom Ambler and a second from Josh finally broke the spirits of Wath.

Next week Selby 2nd XV travel to local rivals York and will look to avenge last year’s home and away defeats.