U13 Selby vs York (Away)

It was pleasing to see that Mr Harrison appears to have gotten over his fashion aberration of a couple of weeks ago; he has returned completely to the shabby coat and stubble outfit that we know so well. Disconcertingly Mr Barker is teetering on the edge now, with some fancy coloured & logo emblazoned shirts, teamed with fashionably ripped jeans (something to do with an out of control iron) - fear not dear readers, we’ve had a word with him. Once again we missed Mr Smart – reportedly getting in a Sunday shift of pencil sharpening at quadruple time rates.

First Period

York k/o and the follow-up by Connor is rocket fast; the ball is over the line, but deemed not to have been grounded with downward pressure by him. The Selby scrum is won by them and they clear their lines. From the ruck around the ½ way line the York Forwards get the ball out to their Backs; Andre runs it from there all the way to get the scoring underway (0-5); no conversion. A great start by York.

Selby looking to come straight back at York, and there is a period of play in the York half; but York’s defence is looking strong this morning. From a Selby scrum, York win it against the head, and run it away, but the ball is taken into touch. Selby win their line-out, but York Forwards then counter-ruck it and take the play into Selby’s territory. Some fast and furious play by both sides, with great tackling by Jay, Samuel and Finn.

York Forwards are taking control of the rucks now, and York are firmly camped in the Selby 22m trying to get another score; unfortunately York give away a penalty and Selby clear their lines. A scrum to York at the halfway line, play moves to the 10m line and York rucking well. The ball is passed along the Backs to Harry who runs through 3 Selby defenders and scores (0-10); Harry converts (0-12).

Selby restart. York move it back into Selby territory; Andre takes it from the 10m line and runs it through (0-17); converted by Harry (0-19).

Second Period

Selby k/o. Some comedy football moves by York, with Connor, Steel, and Finn all having a kick around. Play still deep in Selby territory, and a sequence of plays by York are stoutly defended by Selby. It’s Will K though who sees the gap from 7m out, and bursts through to reward York’s persistence (0-24); no conversion.

Selby really pressing hard after the restart and York are pinned down near their try-line, before clearing to the 22m line. Selby come right back and a nifty chip kick close to the York try-line is unfortunately knocked-on. A series of scrums, and play still within the last 20m of York territory; Selby are throwing everything at York, and its nail biting stuff. After what seems an age York finally clear the ball up into the Selby half. Now its York’s turn to pressure the Selby defence, and there are several minutes of play down in the last 10m of Selby territory. A York penalty and a rolling maul seems to have got over the try-line, but it’s held-up. No score. That was a tight period of play with great attacking and defending by both sides.

Third Period

York k/o and we are into the last “half”. York Backs have the ball and Samuel (drawing his man brilliantly) makes a superbly timed running pass to Finn, who runs with it and passes across to Barney to score (0-29); no conversion. Real champagne rugby that by the York Backs.

Selby restart and kick the ball straight to Jay, who kicks it back in a lovely weighted ball. The York follow-up is fast and the ball is won at the Selby 10m line. Connor runs it through the rest of the way (0-34); no conversion.

York really starting to dominate the game now, with their fitness paying dividends against a tiring Selby. Andre runs the ball up to the Selby 22m line, good counter-rucking by York, and the ball travels over the Selby try-line; Steele follows it up very swiftly and grounds it (0-39); Andre converts (0-41).

Play after the restart is deep into Selby territory, with Selby defending well and York pressing them hard. A penalty to York 10m from the Selby try-line, and the ball is passed along the York Backs to a calling and running Will K to take it and run through (0-46); Andre converts (0-48).

Selby restart and the ball is taken cleanly on the run by Steele, who runs it back into Selby half, then passes it to Tom M to score (0-53); Andre converts (0-55).

After the restart Andre runs from the half-way line, with good support from Barney, who takes the pass and makes a few more yards at speed, before passing it back to Andre to score (0-60); Andre converts (0-62).

Not long left of this match, and Tom M flips a beautifully weighted pass over the top of the Selby defenders, which is caught by a running Will K, who passes through to Finn. He takes the ball close to the Selby try-line, but is stopped.

Game over, and congratulations to both sides for a well fought match in hot conditions.

Final Score Selby 0-62 York