Kestrels continue to fly high

Selby arrived at Moorend with a clear game plan, keep the ball tight and bully the younger, lighter Cleckheaton pack. Sadly for them, the young guns had different ideas, and after a tense opening 10 minutes began to move the ball wide, unsettling the well-drilled Selby defence.

The welcome return of Jarrod Toulson from first team duty gave the Cleckheaton back line an extra few seconds on the ball and this was used to great effect.

Powerful runs from Gareth Lamb, Tom Brooke and Patrick Horrigan gave Cleckheaton the drive they required and soon the pack were able to punch holes in the defence, pinching two well worked tries before half time.

The second half started in a similar way to the first, with both packs trading powerful hits in the middle of the park. Cleckheaton won the early exchanges and with each player full of confidence began to dominate the game upfront.

The introduction of Carl Mason at half time added further bite to the Cleckheaton attack and this was repaid with a flurry of tries. The next 30 minutes were some of the best rugby seen at Moorend this season.

Whether the ball was slow or fast Cleckheaton were able to find space and punish the tiring Selby defence. Excellent support play led to tries for Lamb, Blackburn, Horrigan, Clayton and Crewe.

The last 10 minutes were played with uncontested scrums giving Selby the breathing space required to score a late try. Final score Kestrels 41 - Selby 7.

Two months into the season this was the biggest test so far for the Kestrels and they passed with flying colours. Next week will be an even tougher game away at Ilkley, the only other team in the league to remain unbeaten.

Finally, particular reference must be made to Josh White and Cameron Brannan, both playing their first season of open age rugby and showing great promise. Both are a credit to the youth section and show the deep pockets of talent now available at the club.

Next week Ilkley.