Match Preview

Having wrapped up the Regional League 2 North East championship with a thumping 69 points to 10 victory against long time rivals Bridlington just under 3 weeks ago, our young Swans now find themselves in with a chance of further glory and a possible trip to Twickenham in the Papa John’s Cup. Having been placed in a tough group with North Shields outfit Percy Park, who won the League 2 North title, Old Brodleians from our own League, and Birkenhead Park who were crowned Champions of League 2 North West, we are under no illusions about the size of the task we are faced with. If we were to progress to the Semi Final, it would put us just one victory away from a Twickenham appearance.

In the first match of the series Selby faced Brods at Sandhill Lane and, having opened up a commanding lead, were forced to defend for their lives as Brods showed tremendous resolve, making Selby fight to the very end before closing out a 41-37 victory in one of the most exciting games of the season.

Last Saturday saw the Swans on a coach trip to North Shields and the daunting prospect of taking on a confident Percy Park outfit in their own back yard. Having fallen behind early on as the home side showed the strength of their forwards and the quality of their three quarters, Selby again showed how much they have progressed and matured over the season under the coaching of Jacob Robinson and his team. Another see-saw game saw Selby in a match winning position with just over 10 minutes left, however a yellow card and 2 quick tries for the home side saw them seemingly poised to snatch the victory at 38 points to 33. A missed touch kick deep into Selby’s 22 presented the visitors with one final chance to attack, For the next couple of minutes Selby’s backs and forwards combined expertly to move the ball from left to right as they inched towards the Percy Park line, before a half break on the home side’s 22 and a slick offload created the space for returning Flanker Paul Townsend to dive in under the sticks, Charlie Bramley’s conversion with the last kick of the match sealing a remarkable 40-38 win and starting wild celebrations among the large group of supporters who had made the trip to the North East,

This week we entertain Birkenhead Park in the final Pool fixture knowing that a win will put us in an unassailable position; that a draw may present both Brods and Percy Park with a chance of progressing on points difference and a defeat will put paid to any Twickenham ambition for this season.

With everything to play for, Selby will be hoping for another bumper crowd to get behind the squad and keep the dream alive.

Ray Adamson