Roundhegians

Selby 15 -Roundhegians 18

After two losses in the first two games, Hegians went to Selby, the current league leaders, knowing that they would have to perform well to improve on their current league position. With Dale Cowling back in the second row and Alex Miyambo on the wing, Hegians were able to name a strong team, which also benefitted from a good training session on the Thursday before the game.

This showed right from the start of the game, as Hegians were quickly on the attack and forced a penalty, which Alex Jones pushed wide. However, Hegians were immediately on the attack and after a strong run from James Dobson, Elliot Jackson was put into space and he ghosted through the Selby defence to score a good try.

Selby responded to this and used the breeze behind their backs to get into the Hegians 22 and after considerable pressure, they eventually scored a try out wide from a catch and drive. Hegians immediately responded to this and used their backs well and managed to go through phases and win quick ball. Selby conceded a penalty in front of the posts and Alex Jones quickly added the 3 points. Hegians were sharper than the opposition and used the ball well and were soon on the attack again. A good move using both forwards and backs allowed Alfie Hewitt to off load to Dave Gregory to score a well worked try. This took the lead to 13-5 and Hegians were in control now, despite occasional problems due to a lack of discipline at the scrum. As half time approached, Selby made an effort to get on the attack, but the Hegians defence was well organised and well able to cope with anything Selby offered.

Half time Selby 5- Hegians 13

The second half started off brightly for Hegians as they were now able to use the breeze behind them and were soon on the attack again. The ball was recycled well  as the forwards and backs combined to give their attacks some momentum. Eventually the pressure paid off as a well worked move allowed Ali Coe to cross over for a try. With the conversion missing Hegians went into a 18-5 lead, with 20 minutes left to try and get the bonus point. However, Selby had other ideas and were soon back on the attack and after a missed clearance, Selby ran the ball back well and scored a try out wide. To take the score to 18-10. This gave Selby a lift, but Hegians were able to manage the game well and were awarded a kickable penalty but opted for the lineout instead to try and clinch the bonus point. Unfortunately, Hegians could not take advantage of the situation and Selby were able to make their way back upfield. With just 5 minutes to go Selby forced their way over for another unconverted try, which took them to within 3 points.

A game that Hegians thought they had already won, was now in the balance and Hegians tried to manage the game into the Selby half. However, just as it got near to full time Hegians gave away a penalty, which Selby kicked for a lineout 5 metres out. A good steal from Dale Cowling meant that Hegians thought that they had done enough to win the game, but again they were penalised and Seby ended up with a 5 metre scrum. However, Henry Wareham tackled the number 8 and dislodged the ball and this allowed Ali Coe to drop on the ball and it came to Alfie Hewitt who put it out of play and Hegians claimed a vital win.

A well deserved win for Hegians who worked hard as a team and looked to play some good rugby at times. It’s  not easy to go away to the top of the league and gain a win, but this should give Hegians the confidence to do well as they are back at home next Saturday against Goole and can expect a tough game