Pennine League Division 3

Saturday 1^st September 2007

Selby Warriors  18

Whitehall Warriors  25

Newly promoted Whitehall Warriors started life in Division 3 with the long journey to Selby Warriors.

In the absence of Baz Stead, new signing Alex “Pep” Scargill was assigned the captaincy and proved Coach Richard Darkes right with his judgement as he paved the way by example to a fine Whitehall victory.

Whitehall’s new look squad took time to gel and, with the loss of Andy Green early on, they fell behind to 2 Selby tries.

Whitehall needed a try desperately to get back in this game and, after strong charging runs by props Stuart Syme and Pete Williams, scrum half Ricky Middleton combined well with his stand off Scargill to send his skipper over for a well deserved try.   Middleton converted the goal.

Wayne Fennell, Selby’s outstanding half back was running riot as he gave the Warriors the run around and quickly restored Selby’s 8 point lead.

With the half time whistle came a blasting from Richard Darkes, and it seemed to have the desired effect as Whitehall stepped up a gear and centres Rhys Brown and Paul Barraclough raced into Selby territory.

Walmsley and Scargill worked a set piece move and put the rampaging Richard Casanove over for a try, which Middleton improved to bring the score to 12-14.

Selby responded with another elusive run by Fennell to put his wingman over in the corner.

This prompted a stint of bone crunching tackling from Whitehall led by Casanove and supported by Syme, Williams and loose forward Andy Sadler.

Rotation prop Phil Gee was making some telling drives and, from the good position gained, Scargill once again was too much to handle and dummied his way over and, with Middleton’s goal, Whitehall were only two points behind.

Whitehall now had the bit between their teeth and Casanove earned the Man of the Match award with some fantastic hard running and equally hard tackling.

One such tackle jarred the ball free and Pep Scargill crowned a brilliant individual performance with Whitehall’s final try and his hat trick.   Sure footed Middleton kicked the goal and a penalty minutes later, and then put the final nail in the Selby coffin with a 1 point drop goal to give Whitehall an unassailable lead.

Several missing players should be available for Saturday’s encounter at Lindley and will be much needed as Lindley will be much tougher opponents than Selby