Beaten but Showed Promise

Selby 2nds played an early kick off at Sandhill Lane on Saturday, against a forwards dominant Heath side. Selby, fielding a youthful side and showing that there is more to come, as they grow in confidence. The end result at the final whistle, of 19-34, is a little flattering to Heath, comments Paul Gabel, looking on from the side line.

Heath came out in the first 20 mins looking the better side, by keeping it tight and making good use of the big lads up front. Gaining yard after yard heading towards the home teams line. Selby absorbed the pressure and stuck together as a 15 man unit. A fumbled ball from Heath and Selby was able to capitalise with a fine 50m break away from E Blackwell, shrugging of several challenges to go over the line, converted by O Uren.

Selby then found a little form and stretching Heath, in side to side rugby, keeping the ball alive and running the big Heath lads around the pitch. Unfortunately, Heath kept up and was able to ride out the pressure and upon gaining possession rumble up the park with their first try coming from a rolling maul, 10m out from the Selby line and against the run of play. Credit where it is due, Selby kept most of the possession for the remainder of the half, building momentum with ball in hand and were unlucky not to cross the line on several occasions.

After positive comments at half time. Selby came out as they finished the first, ball in hand and running the big Heath lads around the park. Selby were able to prob the wings, and eventually going over the line with B Lazenby, adding 5 points to the scoreboard. However, Heath were not down and out and the old trait of ‘put it up your jump’ was the order of play for the next 15-20 minutes. The Selby lads held on but with tired legs Heath started a flurry of ‘old man’ style tries and made a comfortable lead.

Selby showed maturity and a couple of changes gave a boost to the tempo of the game. Eventually, with resilience and guts Selby were able to cross the line once more with a cheeky shimmer from the young C Bramley, who showed traits of his father (ex Selby player) Martin watching on the side line. The try was converted by O Uren.

Overall, Selby lost to a good Heath side but Selby played the better rugby on the day, showing that they like ball in hand and can create something from nothing.