u15s First Outing for the New Year

Happy New Year to all!

After an extended break due to torrential weather both before and after the Christmas period, a squad of 19 made the trip over to Driffield for our first outing in over 5 weeks.

The squad whilst lower than usual in numbers, and against an opposition with, what felt like an endless supply of substitutes, saw strong performances by many of the Selby lads and proved to be a great work out.

The game started with a midfield battle, neither side able to gain ground as defences were on top with tackling technique of both teams at a high level.

After possession going back and forth Driffield began to string phases together and despite disciplined defending from Selby were able to force their way over the line to score the first try on 8 minutes with the conversion added to make the score 7-0.

The sides remained evenly matched throughout the remainder of the half with little opportunity for either side, when any breaks did arise scrambling defences made sure they went no further. The only further score was a Driffield penalty on 28 minutes and when the half time whistle blew the score was 10-0 to the home side.

The second half started with a change in positions for Ryan from prop to back row and in opening play he picked a ball from the back of a ruck and ran half the length of the field, evading 4 tacklers and handing off others before swan diving over in the corner for Selby’s first try of 2024 (10-5).

Building on the score and despite further pressure by Selby the Driffield defensive line held out and the home team were able to slowly advance into the Selby 22. A mixture of good attacking play and a too narrow Selby defence saw the hosts score 2 further tries in the corners on 37 and 41 minutes to increase the lead to 20-5,

The boys lifted their heads quickly and then spent a period of time in the Driffield half, strong drives by Alex S and Ben B getting Selby to within touching distance of the line, crossing it on 50 minutes when Zack forced his way over in the corner, only to be denied by a cruel line judge (his Dad!) adjudging he was in touch before getting the ball down.

The call only delayed the inevitable and on the next play Zack was able to finish off another good handling move and made no mistake in slamming the ball down (with no touch line in sight!) reducing the arrears to 20-10.

The remainder of the game was back and forth in the centre of the pitch with both teams nullifying the other, the only additional score went the way of Driffield on 55 minutes with a converted try and when the final whistle blew the hosts were victorious by 27-10.

Highlights of the game included a crunching tackle in the first minutes from Tom H and the tackle counts from Ryan, Rhys, Kieron, Ben B and Sam A too many to keep a total of.

We were able to experiment with a few lads in new positions throughout the game and all gave it everything, keeping their heads up until the final whilst and more than deserving of a fanta or coke at the end of the game.

Next week Sunday will see us in action again, the opposition is still being finalised, but with a training session under out belts and the squad strengthened by returning players the u15 coaches and managers are looking forward to 2024.