24 unanswered points in the last quarter of the match leads to a win.

The day was fair for the penultimate match of the Selby U16’s season.

Once the lads had assembled on the training paddock and completed a short preamble training session the referee had his briefing. This was quite extensive and set out the expectations from both the referee’s perspective and the players.

With this completed the match kicked off with the initial momentum in Selby’s favour. There were two quality tries scored by Ben Sibley with one of these being converted. This was then followed by a swing in momentum for Keighley. They were able to score 3 tries, converting all three before the close of the first half. This swing in momentum was characterised by some dropped balls from Selby and a few slipped tackles that allowed Keighley into the game.

With the resumption of the match Keighley were able to carry the energy of the first half and score a further two converted tries to bring the score to 35-12. With this being the case Selby were at risk of being on the wrong side of a very heavy defeat. However, this narrative was changed by the swift hands and swift feet of the Selby back line. After a line break, a reckless challenge on Luke Fairfield left the referee with no alternative but to award a penalty try. Keighley scored again to frustrate the Selby effort, 40-19. The Selby hands were at the centre of the team’s success again when Kuba Nycek scored in the corner (unconverted.) Will Tehan then stomped up the pitch and through numerous defenders to score under the posts, this allowing for a simple conversion for Harry Kealey. 40-31.

After the kick off the Selby resurgence was irresistible and the outstanding Luke Fairfield ran in a score from the halfway line, making sure to score next to the posts. Again, this allowed for a simple conversion and brought the score to 40-38.
Game ON. Another kick off, another try from Luke Fairfield (school unknown). This time the winger dotted down after beating four defenders and scored in the left corner. Harry Kealey was unable to convert, and the word was spread that there were three minutes remaining from the kick off. 40-43. Keighley were able to regain possession and were awarded a scrum. A little gamesmanship ensued with the Selby Pack allowing the clock to run down even more. With the scrum set again and with no quarter given Keighley resorted to trying to bash through the Selby line before spreading the ball to the left side. The winger was met by Jack Callum and Co and through a herculean effort was bundled into touch. End of Play.

The match was frenetic and thoroughly entertaining but what was more pleasing was the heart put on display by the boys in green to score 24 unanswered points in the last quarter of the match. The 4G pitch and good weather allowed for a fast game. Whilst the back line profited from these conditions the good play was underpinned by a solid scrum.

Ben Sibley was awarded Man of The Match by the coaching team with the Captain’s mention being Luke Fairfield.