Crusaders run out of steam in loss against Selby 3s

It was a glorious Saturday afternoon as the crusaders of Wetherby traveled to the flat parks of Selby to do battle once again. After a few disappointing drop outs early on Saturday morning captain Graham Bulmer took his 17 troops onto the field for their first game in the season.

The Selby team looked strong and were about to get stronger as their 4th team fixture had been cancelled and their subs bench started to look daunting.

But not fazed, the Crusaders took to the field and immediately started to apply the pressure. Great tackles from Alexander Hills and Matthew Bartle led the crusaders into the Selby 22. With sustained pressure, the forwards were looking deadly as they were looking for an early break, Selby couldn't help it and they gave away the penalty.

Captain Bulmer decided to take the three points as it was under the posts and Billy Cale obliged to make the score 0-3 in Wetherby's favour.

Straight from the restart the Crusaders were back into the Selby half. More sustained forwards pressure was giving the Crusaders the edge in the break down. Marcus Little at number 8 and Pete Franks at loosehead were tackling like demons, but a mistake gave Selby the put in at the scrum. The forwards didn't give up and drove Selby backwards. Quick ball from Chris Atkinson playing his first game at 9 gave Matty Finch the chance to release his backs. Billy Cale came in from 15 hit the one like a lightening bolt and scored which he also converted to make it 0-10.

Selby were now getting stubborn, but their mistakes gave Wetherby a chance clear their lines.

Turning defence into attack quickly the Crusaders began to press into the Selby half. Some great work from John Dobson and Matty Finch set up Matt Hawkins for his debut try, powerful running and great foot work created him the space he needed and away he went.

Selby now got in the game from the restart and a powerful drive sent their pack in to score.

From the restart Wetherby won a lineout just inside the Selby half. A salmon like leap from captain Graham Bulmer aided by Marcus Little and Francis Pitchford gave great quick ball to the backs. Matty Finch opened a gap with a huge step and then released his centers. Liam Hogan with a trademark battering ram run sat two Selby tackles down and then the ball went down the line to Matt Starkey who ran his wing into the corner, diving in while carrying three Selby tackles with him. Unfortunately this was his last input into the game as he has broke 3 bones in his foot whilst scoring the try.

Just before the stroke of half time Selby ran in in the corner and the half ended 22-10 Selby.

At half time Selby rang the changes, this changed the dynamic of the scrum and it became lots more competitive. Selby got onto the score sheet early on with a quick double, both converted 22-24 Selby.

Liam Hogan was tackling like a man possessed, but even him and Alexander Hills couldn't stop Selby going in again 29-22. The changes kept ringing for Selby and their fresh legs were taking their toll on the Wetherby pack. Enter David Massey from stage left. In at his usual tight head he steadied the scrum, and gave Wetherby more of a chance, but bodies were tiring as Selby went in again. 34-22.

With five minutes to the game was out of reach but the Crusaders never give up and they showed that spirit again when Mike Hawley broke through the Selby ranks, twisting and battering his way through four or five tackles. Quick support from the front five gave out fast ball and Liam Hogan charged over the line. Converted by Billy Cale to make the score 34-29

With seconds to go Wetherby led a last gasp attack, but Selby held firm, winning the contest 34-29.

Wetherby Crusaders return to Merit League action next week as they take on Castleford 3's.