Saturday, October 7th 2006, Grayfields
The general consensus after last weeks debacle against Whitley Bay Rockcliff was that Tech would do well, ironically, to put in a worse display than that that had been on display in that ill-fated league match. Right from the start there was never any danger of that materialising.
Although Selby emerged with a deserved victory, a victory that puts them into the draw for the second round of the national senior vase, Tech put in a performance that should not only boost morale in the team but also restore faith in their supporters that a successful league campaign can unfold over the coming months. Indeed, had Tech performed like this against Wallsend or Whitley Bay Rockcliff then who knows what might have happened?
Selby’s last visit to Wiltshire Way back in 2000 resulted in a 10-9 reverse in the old North East 2 division. The squad that helped Tech to their highest ever league status in the early days of the 21st century was driven by a forward pack that was feared throughout the North East leagues and from the start yesterday the home pack made their intentions clear. It was clear that Tech’s game plan was going to be a limited one with Ian Wilson making use of the possession his forwards were winning by punting the ball to the far corners of the field with his powerful right foot. At times it looked like this tactic would bring Tech reward but Selby’s more adventurous approach to the game was always a threat and only some superb defence from the home team prevented Selby from taking the lead.
It was the visitors however that took the lead on 19 minutes. A fine kick to Selby’s 22 put Tech onto the offensive and when the Selby line was disrupted it looked like Tech might mount a promising attack. But number 8 Taylor had other ideas and having picked the ball up set off on a fine run into the Tech half. He fed his supporting runners and the outstanding Austerfield, a former rugby league player, finished off a fine move to score a try converted by Dan Porter.
Not put off by this set back Tech sought vengeance and with the pack continuing to dominate Ian Wilson kept the visitors pinned in their 22 with some good tactical kicking. The pressure finally told off when following a scrum number 8 Stockdale made good ground deep into the Selby 22. Some excellent handling saw the ball recycled and it was Stockdale himself who was eventually on hand to provide Anthony Cameron with a try under the posts. Wilson converted for 7 all and although the home team finished strongly it stayed that way till halftime.
The dangerous Selby back line exploded into life shortly after the break. Full back Topping made an excellent break from his own 22 and having brought the ball up to the half way line found support to carry the ball to the Tech line where Phillips finished off a wonderful team try.
Refusing to give up Tech fought back again and Cameron grabbed his second try when following a penalty in the Selby 22 he took a cheeky tap kick and stormed home for the try.
Porter moved Selby 3 points clear moments later and although Tech refused to give up Selby’s determination to run the ball at every opportunity was beginning to take its toll on the Tech defence with tome tired tackling and defence creeping in. Knowing that the opportunity to seal the game was there Selby upped a gear and following some more influential play from the talismanic Austerfield the ball was taken deep into Tech territory and after a series of drives Porter was sent over in the corner.
A third defeat on the trot for Tech but signs that brighter days are not as far away as previously feared.
Tech 12
Tries: Cameron (30, 56)
Con: Wilson (30)
Selby 20
Tries: Austerfield (19), Phillips (45), Porter (77)
Con: Porter (19)
Pen: Porter (59)
Tech
Donnelly, Bulmer, Cheshire, Corrigan, Brown, Wilson, Williamson; Palmer, Hamilton, Dove, Howard, Wray, Cook, Cameron, Stockdale, Subs used: N Parker, M Parker, Lloyd, Pinchen (all used)
Scrums 13, Attacking scrums 1, Scrums won on own put in 9, Scrums lost on own put in 4 (1 against head), Pens awarded 14, Kicked at goal 1 (1 miss), Kicked for touch 11, Ran 2, Lines won on own throw 8, Lines lost on own throw 7
Selby
Topping, Parsonage, Austerfield, Bennett, Weller, Porter, Smith; Thomlinson, Sellers, Copperwheat, Triffit, Phillips, Randell, Minto, Taylor, Subs: Pemberton, Christinson, Allchurch, Aked (all used)
Scrums 8, Attacking scrums 2, Scrums won on own put in 7, Scrums lost on own put in 1 (0 against head), Pens awarded 13, Kicked at goal 2 (1 miss), Kicked for touch 8, Ran 3, Lines won on own throw 13, Scrums lost on own throw 6