North Yorkshire Trophy

Selby 3's made the long trip to Wensleydale to take on their second string in the North Yorkshire Trophy in what seemed a bit of a banana skin. After just getting there on time, a frantic warm up and a quick team talk by fit again Rawson they found themselves under the cosh from kick off but gradually played themselves back into the tie after an early score from the hosts woke them up.

Wensleydale had a particular set of skill in the forwards and once the word got out that quick ball was the order of the day they soon started to show what they were made of. Rob Fox now playing back row and the returning Neil Venables made some great in roads and with Rawson and Thacker clearing everything out the ball was made available time and time again for the Selby backs to cut loose. James Fox controlled things expertly at 10 and with Lunt outside him it wasn't long before Selby got back into the game. Rob Fox finishing off a great move to dot down. The Cheese men came storming back and some robust play saw them advance to the Selby line before a series of big hits and great defence led to them spilling the ball. The Scrum was dominated by Selby all day and new prop James Abrams saw off at least half a team of props (or so he tell us) with Case and Venables helping in the front row.

Ross dotted a penalty after a run of Selby dominance wasn't turned into a try and straight from Kick off the try of the day was scored by Selby 10 James Fox. Rawson taking it clean from the restart, breaking a few tackles and with quick ball Fox dummied on the 22, dummied on the half way, dummied on the hosts 22 before diving over for a near full length score. Adam Ross again knocking over the extras for a truly superb score. Ross was then instrumental for Dixons score offloading to send him scorching through the sticks just before half time.

The second half was a tussle as Dale went back to their basic game and after a long period camped on the Selby line they managed to score. Selby responded like a wounded animal by tearing into the hosts and scoring 3 unanswered tries with Walker, Keetley and Rob Fox getting on the score sheet. With the game won Selby became a little complacent and Dale scored a consolation but once again Selby showed great spirit. With captain Ben Rawson insisting on finishing the game with a score the players responded and with Jim Wood cleaning up from the line out the ball found its way to Ben Lunt who broke clean through. That man James Fox once again on his shoulder to take the easiest of passes and dive over for his second and Selby's 8th try of the game.

Thanks must go to the Dale players and coaching staff who provided a stern test for the higher ranked team and looked after us in the club house with good food and fun.