Selby welcomed long-time rivals Old Brodleians to Sandhill Lane for another important game for the league leaders against the men from Hipperholme, who had led the table up till Christmas. Charlie Bramley starting at scrum half showing his versatility, Bob Robinson standing in for captain Alex Webster and Oli Weston appearing for his first league fixture were the main changes to the starting fifteen with Charlie Cicero making a long overdue return on the bench.

Playing towards Leeds Road, Selby started brightly, charging down the first return kick and earning a penalty which was kicked into the Brod’s 22. A clean line out take then saw Ash Parkinson drive infield where quick recycling of the ball released the backs for James Bramley to spot a gap and go over for the opening score. Henry Wright adding the extras for a seven point lead after just two minutes
Both sides showed intent to keep the ball in hand in good playing conditions, on a surface showing few signs of the mud bath two weeks previously. The stalemate broken as Bob Robinson went on a long run from near half way in to the Brod’s 22 where the move was halted as Brodleians open side, Harris, high tackled a Selby player receiving a yellow card. Henry Wright taking an easy three points from in front of the posts.

On twenty minutes Selby’s Parkinson suffered a similar fate as he was binned for a leading arm and Selby were reduced to 14. This seemed to galvanise the Selby pack as penalties for holding on and line out infringement saw Selby take the initiative. From a line out Max Wotton, on his50th appearance, drove a huge hole in the Old Brodleians defence with Liam Hogan benefiting as he barrelled over as the supporting player. Wright, again, adding the conversion.

Immediately, Selby kept the pressure on as Charlie Bramley and Matt Lodge took play straight back with a 40 metre break which came to a halt with a forward pass. Not to be put off the Selby forwards turned over the ball after Brodleians won the resulting scrum, the backs quickly spinning the ball to the right wing where Oli Weston scored in the corner on his first league start. Henry Wright continuing his perfect record with a superb touch line conversion.

Thirty one minutes saw Parkinson return with Charlie Cicero coming on for Hogan. The Selby pack then earned a penalty from a dominant scrum against their heavier opponents which Wright converted with the final kick of the first half.

The second half opened with a spell of sustained pressure from Brods as they kicked well using the wind. Play mostly in Selby’s half but not near the try line as organised defence held sway till Old Brods forwards drove over for a try that was converted making the score 27-7.

Both sides then cancelled each other out the home side looking to run the ball, a tiring Brods happy to kick long distances. The rolling substitutions from Selby re-energised them and a retreating Brods scrum saw their hooker yellow carded for taking it down. A repeat scrum in front of the visitors post’s saw Charlie Cicero mark his return with a pick up and drive scoring a try from number 8, again converted.
Two minutes later a team effort saw the ball pass through multiple phases till it reached Oli Weston, 40 metres from the try line from where he side stepped two defenders before turning on the afterburners and scoring a second try earning him the man of the match award. Wright converted for a perfect day off the tee.

Always a hard fought win against Old Brodleians. The league title and promotion in the Swans own hand with two games to play. Next up bottom of the table Glossop away on Saturday.

The seconds travelled to Halifax to Old Brods losing 19-12 with tries by Noah Athraby and Joe Scholefield. The thirds also entertaining Brods at Sandhill Lane won 47-15, tries by Lazenby (3) Bissell, Young, Simpson, Kirk(2) and Rawlings. All players grateful as Brods travelled four men short, Selby easily levelling the numbers up.