Promotion was achieved last year with a youthful team of mostly, home grown players. The successful coaching team, lead by Jacob Robinson, have all returned enabling continuity, as does Alex Webster as Captain.

Last Friday night a large squad, in both size and number, visited from Harrogate (who won North East One last season ) and in front of a sizeable crowd of spectators, saw a useful workout, with each side scoring a try.

Among the familiar faces from last season, we saw new players joining the squad from our junior ranks and other sources. Ryan Lamb signing from Goole looking a like for like replacement for the retirement due to injury of Adam Leetham. Sam Fuimaono, a New Zealander Joey Reid has invited across, ran hard and direct in the second row. Alongside him, Paul Townend, who signed late last season, showed the ability to play 5 but retain his open play skills of his normal position of blind side flanker. In the ever competitive area of back row, the returning Charlie Cicero, provides even more competition for those already playing.

The half backs saw no change for Harrogate workout, but Archie Bennett scored Selby’s try and Henry Wright showed what a fine running game he has too with his renowned kicking. The outside backs were missing centres Alex Webster and Charlie Bramley from last season so it was left to Ben Poskitt to marshal the home grown youngsters Joe Scholefield, Ollie Uren, Noah Athraby, Ollie Parsonage and Will Storey as the junior production line continues to first team level

The game itself showed Selby could compete in the new league with speed of thought and ability to play quickly giving 'Gate numerous problems. Giving away an estimated two stone weight advantage bothered neither backs or forwards as cohesion all round and a want to play for each other, shone through.

Selection for this week definitely competitive as the season starts in earnest at 3pm at Sandhill Lane.

The previous night (Thursday) Selby’s second XV travelled to Goole the strength in depth showing as tries were scored by Danny Wilkinson (3) Henry Lovett (2) and the evergreen Duncan Hardy.

The Club is always on the look out for players of all ages and abilities.

Junior rugby returns this Sunday morning and the Ladies generally play Sunday afternoon. All matches are listed on our website HERE