u13s Face Powerful Malton Side

Despite the weather forecast and a relatively short notice fixture, a full squad plus a number of subs turned out on Sunday morning to face a 'friendly' against Malton.

So on a surprisingly sunny morning a crowd of parents from both sides gathered at Sandhill Lane to watch only the second competitive fixture of the 2020-2021 season. However, even from the initial line up it was clear that the Malton players were somewhat sizable compared to the Selby team and seemed to tower over them, dominant in a mass of black, red and white jerseys.

As play began it was quickly obvious that Malton were going to prove hard or beat as the powerful lads were not only strong and athletic but also skilful, particularly at clean passing and at winning the ball in the ruck.

Selby were a smaller side physically but they are quick and tactical and do have some powerful forwards. They did not have enough though on this occasion as the Malton team powered effortlessly through the Selby back line time and time again to score a hatfull of tries.

Take nothing away from Selby they never gave up against what was probably the biggest team they have ever played and rather than being daunted by such a task, they kept at it and tenaciously managed some passages of excellent play and teamwork to score a few tries, all of which were well deserved.

The game was played in 3 phases of twenty minute play, with regular substitutions. By the end of the second third Selby were losing 12-3 and thankfully all that rain had softened up the hard pitch as they took tackle after tackle.

The last third loomed with twenty more minutes of potential misery for the Selby youngsters. Therefore Head Coach Steve Tosney approached the Malton coaches and proposed that for the last third of the match that the teams be a mixture of Selby boys and Malton boys to make it fairer and more fun, to which they readily agreed. I dont think there are many sports where this would happen and is a true testimony of the sportmanship of the Rugby Union game.

The last segment was clearly much more even with 'bibs' and 'shirts' seemingly well matched and some entertaining, flowing rugby ensued.

Coaches special mentions were for: Ollie Love, Luke Fairfield, Leon Partington all of whom scored excellent tries and to Will Bayston who always leads with dogged determination.

The day ended with some tired legs but not too many negative thoughts as the 'Goliaths' had toppled the 'Davids' but they had tried as hard as they possibly could and there is little shame in that.