In a match that could have swung either way, Selby’s strong beginning seemed to set the tone for the game. However, a succession of injuries left the visiting team with areas of weakness to which the home team, Hemsworth, used to their advantage to take the victory 31-12.
The first half saw the Selby Ladies playing into a strong, cold wind, a brutal awakening to the battle that lay ahead of them. Short passes and strategic communication swiftly came into play.
A neatly packaged pass landing into the secure hands of Selby’s Jemma Fieldsend who, like the wind, powerfully flew down the field to score the first try of the game after only seven minutes. Contending with the explosive windy gusts, superb accuracy from Meganne Birch, kicked to convert the try for the Selby team.
The retaliation from Hemsworth was tough and utterly ruthless. Continuous hard hits back and forth and moments later, Selby was a woman down as a player was escorted off the field with an injury. Hemsworth had finally found their stride, leading to their first try which was converted to take the scores to an even 7-7.
As a further two Selby players were escorted off the field with injuries, the visiting team had to rework positions. A defense strategy was taken to get them through to half time where the score was 19 – 7 to Hemsworth.
The fight from the Selby players in the second half was truly incredible, not deterred by the injuries, they endlessly attacked their way back into the match. The sheer exasperation could be seen from the home team as Selby’s brute force and absolute willpower saw Hemsworth produce a dangerous tackle out of pure frustration; yellow card and sin bin
However, the few mistakes that Selby Ladies did make were dived upon and after fiercely holding back the Hemsworth team, they conceded two tries.
As the match was ending, Selby had one more trick up their sleeves in the form of Kym Hurst. A cracking pass saw Kym soar down the wing, determination taking her straight through two defenders, to dive over the line for the last try of the game.
A stunning match to witness and the comradery between players at the end was a pleasure to observe. As tough as the game was, Selby will not be haunted by the final score and are excited to get back on home turf with Hemsworth in a few week’s time.