Selby travelled to Morley to face a second Leeds side following last week’s victory over Moortown at Sandhill Lane. The matchday programme showed a settled Selby squad as the coaches continue to rebuild, while Morley’s bench featured a familiar face from years gone by – Sam Fox.

The game began evenly, both sides guilty of early handling errors in the wet conditions, with a slippery ball making running rugby difficult. Selby struck first after seven minutes: strong forward carries took play into the hosts’ 22, and full-back Charlie Bramley calmly slotted a penalty from in front of the posts for a 3–0 lead.

Moments later, Archie Bennett’s deft kick was gathered brilliantly by winger Noah Athraby, but Morley soon hit back. A clever 50/20 from stand-off Frankland put Selby under pressure, and with numbers stretched, winger Mickey Ryan crossed unopposed.

Selby responded as Joe Scholefield, one of the few backs to look fully in control of the conditions, broke from halfway deep into Morley territory. But when the chance went begging, Morley countered and No. 8 Bowen powered over for a converted try on 25 minutes.

The visitors fought back. A Morley knock-on allowed Antun Wilson to drive play forward, winning a penalty, before a scrappy but crucial Selby score followed. Winger Tom Gabel hacked through a loose ball, Fin Wotton chased hard and nudged it on again, and Charlie Bramley was on hand to collect and dive over. With changes made before the break, Selby trailed 12–8 at half time.

Fired up after the restart, captain Joey Reid and replacement Nick Camfield spearheaded a strong forward surge. James Bramley carried hard, was held up just short, before younger brother Charlie finished the move, crashing over to edge Selby in front – though the conversion went wide.

Morley hit back immediately, kicking a penalty to the corner and driving over for an unconverted try. C Bramley responded with a long-range penalty to bring the score to 17–16, but from there Morley’s nous in the worsening conditions proved decisive. Two further tries, both unconverted, stretched the lead beyond Selby’s reach.

Despite finishing strongly and pushing for a bonus point, Selby couldn’t break through again and the match ended 27–16 in Morley’s favour.
Elsewhere, Selby 2nds enjoyed an excellent 42–3 home win over Beverley 2nds despite missing skipper Harry Clarke, while the 3rds went down 32–12 to York RI 2nds in their first outing of the season.

On Sunday, Selby Ladies began their league campaign in style with a 38–12 victory against York RI Ladies. Tries came from Ella Parsonage (2), Ella Deighton, Meganne Birch, Jas Harrington, and Abbey Frederiksen, who also kicked four conversions.

Next week, the 1sts have no fixture, but Sandhill Lane will host a very special occasion. Hand Solo, a side made up of players with upper-limb deficiencies, will take on a Selby Social XV in a unique event organised by Chris Young – who may even feature for both teams. Kick-off is at the earlier time of 2.15pm.