IN a game littered with 33 penalties, Selby Rugby Union Club lost out at the death, suffering a double bout of Sandhill Lane anguish.
First, they were overhauled by a stoppage-time penalty from Sheffield Tigers, who won the Yorkshire One match 11-10.
Then, to compound the home woe Dan Porter sent a subsequent kick wide for his sixth penalty miss.
Selby went into the tie with a much-changed line-up. Out of contention were the injured trio of Shaun Austerfield, Andy Gabel and the influential Rob Triffitt. That meant a start for new signing from Ripon, full-back Andy Banks.
After two minutes the hosts were in front, Porter swapping passes with Smith before the latter crossed. Porter kicked the extras for a 7-0 lead.
Within two minutes the Tigers had cut the deficit with a penalty from stand-off Richard Butler. He missed a later kick as did Porter in a first half in which Banks, skipper Toby Pemberton and winger Porter otherwise excelled.
The Sheffield side changed tack in the second half, their backs this time forcing the play for full-back Matthew Walker to go over unopposed. Butler missed the conversion, but the Tigers now held the lead for the first time.
As Selby applied sterner pressure, Porter missed no fewer than four penalties until the last minute when he sent one over for a 10-8 lead.
However, four minutes into time added on Selby failed to control the ball, Butler arrowing over what proved to be the winner.
As the final whistle neared, Sheffield transgressed 27 metres out and victory was there for the hosts. However, Porter missed as the tricky breeze again hampered his attempt.
Selby still hold on to fourth place and next week travel to York, who are one spot above by virtue of a superior points difference.
Updated: 11:05 Monday, September 26, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article