The original plan was a home tie against Harrogate but with our opposition very low in numbers they made the call to cancel. Keen to continue with match practice, Morley offered to be hosts to the lads this week for the U16.

Last week’s match also impacted Selby numbers and both sides agreed on 13 a side to allow rotation after the big efforts of last week.

After a positive training session on Thursday the boys started the game with intensity and controlled the ball from the first whistle, forwards driving and controlling territory in the hosts half however it it took until the 12the minute for there to be a breach of the Morley try line.

The pressure finally told and Sam A managed to find space on the host’s left edge and force his way over in the corner for his first try of the season. Joe kicked the toughest of conversions from the touchline and Selby led 0-7.

Selby applied further pressure but were unable to take advantage of the territory and against the run of play. On 33 minutes, Morley, with their first visit to the Selby 22 found a gap in the defensive line and, with missed tackles on the lone runner, scored under the posts and when converted the scores were level at 7-7.

Morley then took the lead on the stroke of half time after being the more organised following a period of scrappy play and touching down under pressure from some valiant defensive efforts, the conversion was missed and the half time score was 12-7.

The second half was very even with neither side able to break down the other, after strong efforts by the forward overlaps were created by Selby but opportunities to get the ball out wide were not executed and chances were squandered.

Ill discipline and a yellow card by Morley gave Selby a man advantage midwat through the half but a further skirmish saw the referee even the numbers and it was 11 a side as the minutes ticked by.

All players had returned by the time the final whistle blew but with no further scores by either side the game finished 12-7 to the hosts.

Special mentioned to Elliott H-M for his ball distribution and the tackling of both him and his centre partner Dan J not allowing any progress from the home attack.

Overall it was much needed game minutes again for the boys as we head towards our first cup match in two weeks.

Thanks to all the parents for making the trip and supporting for the boys, your time and efforts are appreciated.

Training again on Thursday, hopefully most will be fit as the more that can make it the better, and it gives the coaches valuable time to develop team structure and develop the team bond the boys are creating.