3's Progress to Semi Final

On a chilly windswept afternoon Selby 3rds entertained a physical Wetherby 2nd string in the Quarter final of the North Yorkshire Trophy in what eventually turned into a very good win against a team that belied their recent form.

With the club allowing the fixture to be played on the Premier pitch at the club a small yet vocal crowd gathered to watch the team that seem to be finding a little success after what had proved a very tough middle part of the season and they didn't disappoint as they ran in 7 tries, but with the wind swirling up and across the pitch they only managed 1 conversion.

The game started with Captain Ben Rawson winning the toss and taking the wind head on in the hope that come the second period they could utilise it and put Wetherby to the sword. Wetherby started the brighter running some very direct Rugby and winning the breakdowns with ease. Only a very good lineout steal by Steve Hambrecht stopped them in their tracks and allowed Mike Goldsworthy the chance to clear.

Selby soon gained a foothold in the game with some direct running by Kevin Lamb and Jack Cockerham backed up by some good defence by Andrew Case and Duncan Phillips. A couple of quick scores settled any nerves as first Aidan Pearce and then Duncan Phillips made their way over the line to put Selby in control. Wetherby did all they could to counter Selby's play and the weather played its part too as so many good chances went to ground as the cold wind and rain too affect.

Half time came and the talk was to continue in the same vain and not allow Wetherby any control and Selby did exactly that running in a further 5 scores as the half progressed. The tactic to run into the wind first half paying dividends as Wetherby ran out of steam but never gave up. Nick Firth running in a great score before converting it for his only success of the afternoon. Ryan Johnson then entered the fray and grabbed himself a score to enhance his reputation as key to the 3rds success this season. James Abrams popped up out of nowhere as acting scrum half and darted with pace and power over the line for a record breaking 3rd of the season for himself. It would seem that the pressure of being captain had suppressed his scoring in recent seasons. Mike Parsonage another substitute soon got in on the act taking a lovely crash ball and angling his way over before Goldsworthy rapped things up scoring the final try of the afternoon.

So Selby march on to the Semis and will play North Ribb 2's away in what will be a very tough fixture. However the success of reaching this stage after a torrid few seasons for the 3rds is an achievement in itself. With foundations set by Chris Rawlins over a number of seasons some of the more experienced players are now helping to bring through some great talent that will surely go on and represent the club in higher teams.

Kev Lamb earning Man of the match for his direct running and quality defence.