SELBY Warriors have labelled the move to Sandhill Lane a huge success following a good first half of their Yorkshire League season, writes Peter Martini.

As reported by the Evening Press, the club moved in with their rugby union neighbours in the summer in a groundbreaking switch which has seen cross-code links in the town improved.

Despite scepticism from some quarters, the move has so far worked, while the club's new junior section has also proved a hit.

"The first half of the season has been excellent," said player and junior coach Dave Sowden.

"The move to the union club has been successful for both parties and the team spirit and togetherness of the players has not been affected, as some people who used to be involved with the club had suggested.

"We are nicely positioned in mid-table (of YL division two) with plenty of games in hand on the teams above us.

"The highlight of the season so far has been the excellent derby win over Sherburn Bears that was watched by a large crowd - proving that most people will support the club no matter where they play."

The Warriors' main problem has been with injuries. The latest blow has ruled inspirational Shaun Austerfield out for the season with knee ligament damage.

"The situation in the last few weeks being as bad as a lot of the senior players have ever known," said Sowden. "However, the Christmas break will see most of the injuries clear up, except for Shaun's."

The team, who have also entered the National Cup this year, have got a minimum of 16 games to fit in before early May and are keen for any old or new players to go down to the club.

"The training sessions have been well attended for the most part and indeed five new players made their debuts in the recent encounters with Normanton," Sowden added.

"But because of inevitable injuries that will be picked up, we would make any new or returning players very welcome. Even if they don't get a run-out in the first few games they will definitely get their chance."

Training starts again on Thursday, January 2, ready for the home game versus White Hart on January 4, and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday 7pm-8.30pm thereafter.

As regards the junior section, two new teams at Under-8s and U10s levels are set to play friendlies in the new year.

"The junior training sessions have gone well," added Sowden. "A report for Lottery grants has been almost completed and this will hopefully allow us to expand the junior section in years to come."

The juniors' last training session of the year was on Tuesday, and they will restart on Wednesday, January 8. The sessions will have a new start time of 6.15 to 7.15pm.

All players and parents are reminded that the club needs players' birth certificates (original copies, which will be returned) and two passport-sized photographs before the league will allow the junior teams to play any games.

Updated: 12:10 Thursday, December 19, 2002