Selby 2xv 22 - 7 Pontefract 2vx

Selby 2xv 22 - 7 Pontefract 2vx

Pontefract's unbeaten run came to an end with a defeat by a strengthened Selby side who were seeking revenge for a comfortable Pontefract victory when the sides recently met in a merit game.
With the entire front five absent it was always going to be a challenge but that gave several youngsters a chance to make their mark. The back line was also missing key players when Tom Carr and Andy Coleman were late withdrawals forcing a massive reshuffle. The hosts immediately threatened the visitors line with some powerful and direct rugby that was repelled by some desperate defence led by veteran Scott, Morgan and Lyndon over multiple phases. The line was finally breached when Selby outflanked a scrambling pontefract to score out wide. 5-0
The pontefract scrum settled under the guidance of stalwart Richard Maw allowing the visitors to gradually claw their way back into the game and finally launch some meaningful attacks inspired by Simpson, Rasher and Pycock. A clever kick from Lyndon was gathered bravely by Ben Walker who stretched the home defence, yet again showing his potential. The home forwards stole a Pontefract line out on the 22 giving the robust Selby centre the opportunity to crash over under posts for a converted score. 12-0. With the interval approaching the visitors rallied to press forward at every opportunity but failed to score despite the endeavours of Billy Coleman and Tom Chester. Selby had the better of the first period and deservedly led but Pontefract were now back in the game and looking to get some points on the board.
Unfortunately the kick off was sloppy presenting the hosts with an ideal position from which to attack, which they did aided by some uncharacteristic poor tackling allowing them to stretch the lead to 17-0
A fired up Pontefract threw everything at a stubborn Selby with Lyndon dictating play that drove the visitors deep into home territory. Great centre interplay between Rasher and Pycock created a gap that Baxter exploited but unfortunately lost the ball. With the line begging. The pressure was maintained allowing Lyndon to crash over but was adjudged to be held up much to the dismay of the visitors. The inevitable try came after great work from the forwards to allow a slick pass to reward the tireless Morgan to score out wide, superbly converted by stand in, stand off Simpson 17-7. Selby were finding it difficult to clear their lines due to persistent Pontefract pressure but a long aimless kick caused some inexplicable confusion resulting in a attacking 5M scrum from which their outstanding No8 smashed his way over extending their lead to 22-7.
In the remaining 10 minutes Pontefract were unlucky not to be awarded two penalty tries as the home pack dropped driving line outs, the frustration grew as a single yellow card and a string of penalties were the only punishment. Selby held on to a much celebrated win leaving Pontefract to reflect on what could have been. Despite the many changes Pontefract should be proud of this performance who showed great character and applaud the several youngsters who ‘stepped up’ showing that club is moving in the right direction. MOM was Lyndon for a classy scrum half display.