Selby headed north up the A1 to face Blaydon in the final league game of the season in Regional One North East. A relegation decider, with a large number of supporters from Selby necessitating a supporters, as well as a player's, bus. A blow to the visitors before kick off with Max Wotton pulling up with a leg injury. Jack Todd starting instead with Adam Crooks coming on to the bench having started for the second team on an adjoining pitch.

Nerves were evident right from the start, as the hosts kicked the ball out on the full from the kickoff, followed by Selby doing the same at the subsequent scrum. Selby opted against a kickable penalty for a high tackle, choosing instead to aim for the corner, but their attempt was thwarted by the hosts. Blaydon then had a clear opportunity for winger Appleton, which unfortunately ended in a forward pass. A penalty was then kicked to the corner, leading to the first score from a forward drive that allowed the hosts to take the lead.

Selby hit straight back and sustained pressure on the home try line seeing Danny Wilkinson, on his 100th appearance, take two tap and go's before a third attempt was again stopped and the referee lost patience awarding a penalty try and yellow carding a Blaydon player. However, a further setback during the melee saw Wilkinson injured and having to leave the field shortly after. The change of line up saw Ben Poskitt coming on at full back and the versatile, Charlie Bramley, moving to scrum half.

Blaydon then scored three tries in the final ten minutes of the first half, however only one was converted and the score at half time was 22-7. The visitors were still showing resilience and still in the game after Blaydon's scoring spree.

The young Swans regrouped on the restart and Charlie Bramley made a good break from a ruck to get Selby in to Blaydons 22 but unable to get a score. Eventually they won a penalty and as advantage was played, Joe Scholefield made a break and when he was tackled just short of the line, Paul Townend was on hand to take the pass and stretch over. Henry Wright converting from in front of the posts.

Five minutes later Selby added another try to get within a point of the hosts. Hola Vea made a trademark break on half way making 30 metres, as the cover closed in, he offloaded to Alex Webster and the skipper touched down after an exhausting run! Wright converting and the score 22-21.

A delicate chip into the Blaydon 22 by Webster saw Selby gain a penalty centre field, the kick at goal, unfortunately, drifting wide. Blaydon then closed the game out, two tries from line outs five metres out saw the pack touch down on 65 and 70 minutes one of which was converted.

Desperation then saw Selby trying to play out from their 22, the ball turned over and Blaydon scoring a final converted try to give a final score of 41-21 not reflecting the closeness of a hard fought game.
Selby finishing bottom of the table after promotion last year. Some performances to be be proud of notably beating league winners Scunthorpe away. The team finding its feet and competing well post Christmas.

Better news for the seconds who also played Blaydon winning 54-14. Many players and supporters staying in Newcastle for a night on the town to mark the end of the season .
The fourths beating Mosborough Veterans 36-24 at Sandhill Lane.

Next week a competitive in house game as the under 24s take on the over 24s.