Coach Ian Heslehurst insists there’s plenty of life left in Middlesbrough’s season.
Boro sit fifth in Yorkshire One with five games remaining, safe from relegation but too far away to threaten the promotion pack.
It’s been an inconsistent start to 2015 at Acklam Park with Boro having won only two of their seven matches since the turn of the year.
Last weekend’s 13-7 defeat at Scarborough was a setback, but Heslehurst has urged his youngsters to bounce back as they host Selby at Acklam Park tomorrow.
“We’re looking forward to the game and putting right the wrongs of last weekend,” Heslehurst said.
“I think we played well without the ball, but the yellow cards hurt us. We also missed two easy kicks that would have turned a defeat into a draw.
“Our game management overall was poor and we didn’t help ourselves. When the referee starts giving decisions against you then it’s very frustrating.
“But if we score tries then nobody can disallow them. That’s what we’ll be trying to do on Saturday.
“We’re not going to get promoted and we’re not going to get relegated, so we find ourselves in mid-table.
“With five games left we want to give some of the younger lads a chance and let them get some experience at this level. It’s a good chance for them to prove themselves ahead of next season.
“This is a tough division and it’s all about experience. We’ve had a decent season overall and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
“Yorkshire One is a hard league to get out of - it’s very competitive and there are some good clubs involved.
“With nothing to play for in terms of league position, we’re now playing for pride and enjoyment.
“We know we can’t look too far ahead towards the summer. Last season we had a few players moving out of the area and other commitments, so you never know how it will pan out.
“If we can finish this season on a high, then we’ll start putting the plans in place for pre-season and hopefully everyone will come back fit”.
Boro will be looking to get their revenge on a Selby side currently two positions below them in the table, but who were victorious in November’s reverse fixture.
And with the winter snap over, Heslehurst is looking forward to some expansive rugby.
“When we last played Selby it was on a foggy and misty afternoon. It was a diabolical game which they won 6-3.
“We try and play good rugby, but when the pitches are heavy and we come up against teams wanting to have a battle up front, we struggle to express ourselves.
“On too many occasions this year we’ve found ourselves in an arm wrestle with teams up front, and that’s not our strength.
“We want to win every game, and with three of those coming at home, that’s certainly feasible. With nothing to play for in terms of league position, we’re now taking to the pitch for pride and enjoyment.”
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