U13's Beverly 19 Selby 47

Match Report By Adrian Smith

Cold windy conditions and a touch of icy rain couldn’t dampen the Selby verve at Beverley as the Green Machine produced another positive performance.

Both sides boasted good squad numbers and agreed to play the match in three time periods, starting with experience players and progressing
thereafter with the introduction of development players.

First 20 - Beverly 0 Selby 25

Selby, like the wind simple blew through Beverly proving too strong and pacey for their hosts.

Quick ball secured by the pack allowed Sam Harrison time and space to pick out hat-trick man Will Stoker on the right to lose his marker and outpace the cover for his first try.

No time to catch your breath as from the kick off forwards gathered good ball for their backs to use and use well in James Taylor who unselfishly released Stoker again at the Beverly try line.

Beverley gathered themselves but had no real answer as Selby forwards started to take the game towards them. Pleasing to see was improved ball control at the ruck and runners off it. With forwards not over committing and Harrison directing behind the ruck area, attacking options appeared left and right with runners to good effect.

Selby bombed a few opportunities but no criticism can be aimed at the efforts to play more open free flowing game. Henry O’Brien running good lines down the left wing, falling inches short of the line. Marcus Genn stormed into his debut in the second row, clattering the opposition and working unselfishly. This work gave ammunition for the backs to exploit in Matty Wright. His decisive run and neat release finding the hard running Joe Raddings to burst onto and score.

The forwards sucked in Beverley defenders and produce space for Harrison allowing him to play with his head up and pick out Raddings and Stoker to finish off the scoring in the first period of play.

All be it weaker opposition than expected, it was encouraging to see training ground work emerging in the Selby play along with clear communication and decision making.

Second 20 Beverley 5 Selby 22

Selby shuffled the pack and backs by introducing eight players for the second period of play.The short break did Beverly good, their lads rallied and with more determined play took the first score with a move down the left wing.

However, this action reignited the Selby passion to compete and Raddings put our hosts on the back foot again with his third try. Team Selby then served up their best of the day from the base of the scrum. Placed centrally on the 22 line in the Beverley half Harrison took the ball on a short left run, dropping off Scot Hunt in a switch move to the right,hit his centre runner who in turn fed winger James Hogg at pace to crash over for a beauty that needed finishing! Massive from Hogg’y and a true team try.

This took the wind out of the Beverly sails and more positive forward play made space and Hunt hit the try line with good support play off a Harrison break.

Finally Sockett made room to get Jordan McCoy in on the act,Hunt landing his only conversion of the day.

Overall, not as smooth as the first period but forward pressure was still evident and worth wait in the cold for the team try that had all parents feelings warm with pride.

Third 20 Beverley 14 Selby 0

The final period saw Selby shuffle and blood four players in their first game ever along with others playing in position for the first time. Respect to Beverley as they returned to the field in gritty mood to show and gain pride back.

A missed tackle and elusive run from just inside their 22 line saw the Beverley centre go down the left for a great individual effort that was goaled and lifted the Beverley hearts. Selby showed some metal and came close with lively Andy McLoughlin showing promise at scrum half.

Better handling and awareness may have got rewards but credit to debutants; they showed determination and desire for the shirt. Beverley produced another good spell at the close, moving the ball well to out stretch the Selby cover to score and convert.

On a blustery day all players from both teams are to be congratulated for their performances and playing in a match in the true spirit of the game.

Final Score Beverley 19 Selby 47