Selby keep up pressure with away-day joy
YORKSHIRE TWO
Roundhegians 21 Selby 33
selby marched on in the promotion hunt with victory over rapidly improving Roundhegians.
Those expecting a repeat of Selby’s comfortable 57-12 win over Roundhegians earlier in the season were in for a surprise as the hosts have improved immeasurably since then.
Selby were nearly ahead in the first minute after a charge down on the Roundhegians 22, but play was brought back and a penalty awarded to Roundhegians for a Selby player ‘going in at the side’ of a ruck.
Selby did go ahead after 11 minutes when full back Dan Porter brilliantly turned defence into attack.
After fielding a deep kick and making 50 metres with a mazy run, Porter released Alex Webster, Karim Brown and man of the match James Blaymire for Duncan Hardy to stroll in under the posts for the try converted by Josh Cruise.
Roundhegians were soon level after turning over possession on the Selby 30-metre line and spreading the ball wide for winger Elliot Jackson to power over for the try, Alex Jones converting.
Selby committed a costly mistake after 28 minutes when a poor pass went to ground and allowed the Roundhegians centre Smith to hack on and run unopposed over the line for the try.
On the stroke of half time, Selby drew level after some smart work from winger Ben Lunt and flanker Jacob Robinson, which put hooker Josh Greenfield in for the first of his three tries with Cruise once again converting.
Roundhegians could have gone into the break three points in front but Alex Jones missed the 40 metre chance after Selby had been penalised for being in front of the kicker from a penalty of their own.
A great run by flanker Robinson after three minutes of the second half put Selby on the attack with big Martin Protheroe making massive inroads into the Roundhegians defence.
Centre Sam Weller went over for a well-deserved first try of the season and although Cruise missed the conversion, Selby were in front again 19-14.
That lead was short-lived however, with Roundhegians straight back on the attack and creating a huge overlap for winger Elliot Jackson to score his second before Jones added the extras.
O’Brien replaced Protheroe after 53 minutes with Selby soon re-taking the lead when Greenfield was again on hand to take the final pass and score near the posts with Cruise converting.
With Adamson on for Alex Webster after 64 minutes and Protheroe returning for the tireless Karim Brown 10 minutes later, Selby put the result beyond doubt after 77 minutes.
Young winger Charlton McCoy made a brilliant run deep into the Roundhegians defence before putting hooker Josh Greenfield in for his hat trick and tenth of the season.
Cruise then converted to make it four out of five for the afternoon, and in the process gave Selby a bonus point in a comfortable victory that keeps the pressure on League leaders Doncaster Phoenix.
Despite shipping 21 points, Selby now have the best defensive record, as well as being top points and try scorers and with the best points difference.
This week sees the first of two home games against bottom half opposition.
Moortown visit Sandhill Lane on Saturday, followed by Sheffield Medicals the following week.
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Weather for Selby
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
