Arriving in Huddersfield after a good journey for the colts on what was a great autumn morning for a game of rugby, and this even included the backdrop for the pitch we were allocated. Selby were up against it from minute 1 with only 15 players available with a few last-minute illnesses. This meant a lot of the boys would play in positions they have never played before.

Both teams started the game well and were both very good in defence. Selby’s defence being tested a little more than Huddersfield but player for player the boys were outstanding in defence until the 12th minute when we won the ball back in our own 22 with some great rugby from Jay Moffat and the Capt Ben Cockeram but a handling mistake shortly after, lead to the first converted try from Huddersfield.

The boys were not rocked by this but inspired and continued with the big tackles and the counter rucks throughout. On the 23rd minute Huddersfield opened the Selby defence with some solid forwards running and made a gap in the defence for a try under the posts. Great pressure from Harry Kealey saw the conversion missed and right under the sticks. This time it was down to the Huddersfield backs to show what they had on the 28th minute with some great and quick handling from the Fly half and Outside Centre and scoring in the corner for another converted try. Half time saw Huddersfield leading Selby 19 points to nil.

During the half time team talk Joe Hoyland was carrying a knock which saw the boys down to 14 players but some conversations between Will Stoker and their manager saw Huddersfield lend Selby a player.

Second half kicked off and again both team’s defences were excellent with some great moves from both teams most notably some great running from Ben Tosney setting off Harry Kealey who was one on one but was taken out with a high tackle, Selby unlucky not to be given a penalty try. It took until the 57th Minute for the second half deadlock to be breached with Huddersfield attacking the Selby left wing where their player was, and a soft try given away by Selby. Again, great pressure on the kick saw it not converted. Score 24 – nil.

Selby were very much tiring and now missing some crucial tackles and Huddersfield again attacking the Selby left wing and another try conceded this time converting taking the score to 31 – 0. With 5 mins left on the clock and Huddersfield constantly refreshing their team Selby were all now in the hurt locker and a new pacey winger against a tired Luke Fairfield was beaten with a lovely sidestep and the final try scored under the posts and converted. The game finished of 38 – 0.

Speaking with Will Stoker and Jordan Barton (Selby Management) after the game they said, “We are very proud off all boys for giving their all, the boys defensively were really good with some silly mistakes to let in Huddersfield”.

Selby Colts welcome Pocklington Colts on Sunday 20 Oct and Sandhill Lane for a 2pm kick off.

Pete Moffat