Selby RUFC striving to seize Shield for a barnstorming finale (From York Press)

Selby RUFC striving to seize Yorkshire Shield for a barnstorming finale

9:45am Friday 27th April 2012 in Rugby Union By Steve Carroll, Sports reporter

Selby RUFC have nothing to fear when they meet Barnsley in the semi-final of the Yorkshire Shield tomorrow (3pm), says head coach Richard Nicholson.

The Sandhill Laners host the Yorkshire Two champions as the Swans look to grab a place in their seventh Shield final – and their first since 1995, a game against Beverley at York which Nicholson played in.

Selby have enjoyed an impressive run to the last four, beating Yorkshire One outfit Scarborough and eventual champions Pocklington before scoring eight tries in a 57-22 win at Yarnbury in the quarter-final.

Barnsley bested Selby narrowly, 19-15, in a recent league encounter, but Nicholson’s men had numerous chances to win the game and were missing several key players who will be in the mix for tomorrow’s match.

There is great optimism in the Swans’ nest, and although second rows Karim Brown and Jason Hirst, along with prop Tom Bell, are still not available, Paul Gable, James Blaymire and Jay Robinson have returned to fitness.

Nicholson said: “This is something that doesn’t come around very often and we are all looking forward to it.

“It’s great to finish the season with a couple of big games. Obviously, it is all the more beneficial being at home, where we have performed well and put in some good performances.

“On our day, we can beat most clubs at our level – the way we have performed in previous rounds proves we can compete. There is nothing to fear.

“It was a cracking game against Barnsley last time and, hopefully, we can be consistent and can get a good start.

“Above all, we want to learn lessons from it and the consistency for the league and, hopefully, push next year to try and get back into Yorkshire One.”

Selby: from Andrew Pocklington, Paul Randell (capt), Duncan Hardy, Paul Gable, Jason Cicero, Brendan Lanaghan, Matthew Wood, James Blaymire, Jacob Robinson, Ben Booth, Ollie O’Brien, Martin Protheroe, Jack Daniels, Joe Butcher, Josh Cruise, Alex Arthur, Ollie Saunders, Ben Lunt, Dan Porter, Tom Ambler, Iain Adamson, Kev Lamb, Paul North.