A match report with a difference…

Selby RUFC 2nd team played host to league rivals Wetherby Crusaders on Saturday last. A game that would allow bragging rights to 2nd place in the league.

After visiting Wetherby earlier in the season with a 29-19 loss, revenge would be sweet with a 62-19 win on home turf writes Paul Gabel.

The try’s were plenty with a 38-0 lead at half time. Selby playing the best game so far in the season with Captain James Skelton back in full control after recovering well from an ankle injury previously in the season and a run out last week.

Credit to Wetherby, turning up with 16 players and looking good during the warm up period who never seemed to get started in the first half, partly due to the hold Selby had on the ball phase after phase and being dominant in everything.

A mention to our referee at this point, who kept control of the game and allowed both sides to play in letting the game flow. It is gratitude to the Yorkshire Referee Society that games like this can continue over a weekend of rugby, so thanks must also go to them for their hard work behind the scenes.

I write these reports most weeks from running along the side line while touch judging, and this week, I thought I would indulge the readers with a small insight to our players and the team as a whole, so rather than a minute by minute account. I will reflect on the players in todays game.

Selby 2nd team has traditionally been the pecking pen for the 1st team, players not quite in favour with the back room staff of the 1sts or not fit or skilful enough. However, I do believe that over the course of this season, all the players that have represented the 2nd team could easily slot into the Selby 1st team and not be out of place.

Yes, there is the argument of “knowing the moves” from not training but fundamentally the coaches and their ethos at Selby is working well with ALL players working through the goals set out at the beginning of the season and this stands the club well for the next few years. A mention at this point should also go to Andrew Bennett and James Hunt, they give us the security and comfort that we are one club all focused on rugby.

Having said that and as I mentioned, I am going to try give you a little insight to the 2nd team players from Saturday, apologise in advance as these are thoughts and comments from myself, coaches and spectators, so here goes…

Props, ever the faithful Duncan Hardy, his words before and during are inspiring backed up by his actions on the pitch. Andrew Case, a man of few words but knows his job on the field and proves it every week with his tackles on the opposition and solid in providing the backs the ball.

Hooker, well what can be said about Jack Todd, some would say he is the Terminator, as he never gives up and always reminds me of Duncan Phillips, always in the middle of the action in defence and attack.

2nd rows, Sean Campbell, has matured over the years from a hot head, to a leader, on the pitch, unless he gets a yellow card for back chat! Jonty Aveyard, a player of few words, does his job well and part of the backbone in the team, always good to see his name on the team sheet.

Back row, Alfred Brown, an animal around the park with his constant defence and pace in attack, a player who can light up a game. Harrison Green, who has the most strapping (visible) on, a club player with more to give at Selby, if his knees hold out and always give all. Ben Bell, a league convert and secretly prefers the “other side” a great tackler and reminds me of what rugby (both codes) is about.

Scrum half, Oliver Parsonage, a young lad with great potential. His first full season at senior rugby and as he gains more experience, he will be awesome to watch him commanding a game.

Stand off, James Skelton who I have only known for a short time at Selby, a well respected player from the side line and is the “Will Carling” of the team (look him up on Google).

Inside centre, Edward Blackwell covers a position that carry’s the role of tackling hard and crossing the gain line. Ed makes this his own, a solid player in any team that he is in and a player I have come to admire.

Outside centre, Patrick Keetley is a hidden gem at Selby, solid in defence and unpredictable in attack. Youth look at him and think I can run over him but the opposition soon find out he can side step, kick, tackle and run, sometimes all at the same time.

Wings, Ed Wake, is full of pace and shows what he has to offer every single game. A great finisher and tackler who puts his body on the line. James 'Bob' Robinson, it could be said that he is the poster boy of the team but in reality he is a dedicated player who inspires the team and is so dependable on the pitch, a natural leader and positive influence to the younger (and older lads).

Charlie Bramley at Full back, a position that commands knowledge of the game, self sacrifice and passion. Having had the privilege of seeing this young man come through the ranks and having played a few games with his dad, it is always a pleasure to see him play but needs more practice in the after match festivities…

Game changers last week were, Thomas Hatfield Green, a silent assassin who glides around the pitch. Luke Mander, coming back from long term injury and carries well and always has a smile on his face, even when coming up from a scrum. Charlie Cicero, certainly not a chip of his dad’s block, he’s made rugby his own and great to see him back on the field. Adam Infante, who looks the part and plays the part. A player who is eager to play, support and defend alongside his teammates. George Stoker, is a player who will put his body on the line while on the pitch. A stand out player with ball in hand and always unpredictable in attack.

Of course, the players named above are only part of the 2nd team squad. There are players that move up and down each week as each position is competitive every week. Players such as James Dugher, a solid scrum half gaining experience each week. Thomas Gabel, learning the craft of a winger and Brandon Gill, who has a bright future at the club and when you look at the senior players at the club.

Selby have a great mix of young lads, with old heads all with a lust to play rugby at Selby.

The future is bright at Selby RUFC.