Selby 2nd XV March On
After last week’s triumph against undefeated Wharfedale Selby 2nd XV prepared for West Leeds who also brought an unblemished record to Sandhill Lane and were similarly sent back along the A63 with nothing to show for their travels.
This was a victory ground out in the misty conditions by a forward pack exhibiting guile and experience through veterans Tunners, Pocklington, Cicero and Toye and energy and drive from youngsters Walker, Parkinson, Josh Booth, the excellent D Blaymire and McKoy back to his best. With the pack ably directed by Master McHale at scrum half Selby’s dominance was total and the score would have been more comprehensive were it not for Selby’s penchant for kicking away possession, ill discipline and conversing with the referee.
Selby, fired up from the whistle started quickly and with quick line speed pressurised West Leeds into errors resulting in a forward drive and McHale squirting over for the first score. With Ash Winstanley converting from the touch line to take the score to 7 – 0.
McHale was also the architect for the 2nd try; after more forward dominance and West Leed’s defence in disarray his cross field kick was collected by Leetham and dotted down in the corner. Winstanley with his kicking boots on converted from the touch line. 14 – 0.
West Leeds were rewarded for their hard work with a try just before half time to take the score to 14 – 5.
Playing into the wind and rain in the second half Selby’s forward dominance continued, and with gritty determined defence and aggressive dominant carrying Selby made most of the running and restricted Leeds to few openings. With Leeds forwards tiring it was no surprise when David Blaymire controlling a rolling maul from the back spotted an opening in the defence and sprinted over to score. 19 – 5.
With the victory secured Selby pushed on for the 4th bonus point try in the last few minutes of the game, changing the approach and unsuccessfully moving the ball wide for the first time in the game and through errors gifted a try to west Leeds. 19 - 10
Next week Selby travel to West Park Leeds.