5th Round Yorkshire Cup

It was the fifth round of cup matches this week and in their wisdom Yorkshire picked Easter school holidays for the final round decimating the Selby squad.

A mixture of injuries and holidays meant for the first time this season Selby were unable to put out a full 15, but the 14 that wore the shirt gave it everything and almost pulled off a victory.

Ripon started very quickly on the firm pitch and after 3 minutes a kick out wide bounced and favoured the home side and their second rower, who beat three despairing tackles, scored in the corner and give the hosts an early lead (5-0).

Selby roared back and the fantastic 14 drove the hosts back and the game was played in the Ripon half for the remainder of the half.

A quick tap penalty after 10 minutes saw Dylan force his way over from close range to level the scores 5-5 and Selby remained disciplined in the forwards, Tom S accurate with lineout throws and both him and Euan supporting the rucks and mauls Selby kept possession against a large Ripon pack.

Just as it looked like Selby were going to take the lead an intercepted pass and a full length of the pitch breakaway by the home side winger on 27 minutes, who finished under the posts, meant Ripon regained the lead at 12-5.

It was harsh on Selby’s efforts in the first half but on the last play of the half Sam A placed a cross field kick into the hands of Harry, usually playing as flanker but today on the wing, who took the high ball, side stepped his opposite number and two more covering players to touch down just inside the corner flag to give the half time score respectability of 12-10.

The second half started as the first finished, Selby in possession, being dangerous from accurate lineouts, with Charlie M driving forward from second row, and Elliot, Batsi, Tom S, Euan and Josh offering strong support in the rucks. On 34 minutes captain Lawrence finished off dominant phases of pods and crashed over to score and with Sam adding the conversion Selby took a deserved lead 12-17.

Strong defence and ferocious tackling from Dylan, Joseph, Dan J, Danny, Charlie A, Harry and Sam caused the hosts a very uncomfortable morning but tries on 41, 44 (converted) and 54 minutes meant the bench of the hosts outlasted the Selby effort and at the final whistle Ripon came out on top 29-17.

The performance was the best of the season and will be a reference point for future years of what this team is capable of; the commitment, effort and support of each other was outstanding and the coaches and parents could not be prouder.

There is a well deserved break coming up with no training on Thursday or Easter Sunday but we will be back on Thursday 4th ahead of the game the following Sunday.

Ripon 29-17 Selby (HT 12-10) Cup - Round 5

Selby Try Scorers:
Dylan
Harry
Lawrence

Conversion:
Charlie A