Feathers Field, Percy Road, Pocklington was the destination for Selby’s first team and their followers on Saturday. There was significant team news, with colt Ben Sibley making his first start on the wing and James Hunt returning to the starting XV. The weather was bright and crisp—perfect for rugby—against a Pocklington side unbeaten in their first four games of the season.

Selby started with a bang. James Robinson carried deep into the hosts’ 22, and as the ball was moved across the try line, Hola Vea crashed over for the opening score. Charlie Bramley (sponsor Peacock & Binnington) converted before the crowd had settled.

Things got even better from the restart. James Bramley powered past halfway before being stopped illegally, earning Selby a penalty. The kick to touch set up a line-out five metres out, and Hunt secured clean ball. As the pack drove towards the line, scrum-half Archie Bennett spotted a gap on the blindside and darted over to score. With Bramley’s reliable boot adding the extras, Selby led 14-0 after just ten minutes.

Another sharp restart saw Sibley show his pace and footwork with a forty-metre run down the touchline before Selby were penalised for offside. Pocklington then began to find their rhythm, earning a penalty that drifted just wide before spreading the ball wide soon after to score in the right corner. The conversion missed, leaving Selby ahead 14-5.

The visitors continued to manage the game well. What looked like a routine kick to touch from stand-off Poskitt turned into a clever quick tap and break. Bennett carried on the move, and in a flash Selby were just ten yards out in front of the posts. Pocklington were fortunate not to concede a try—or a yellow card—and Selby took the simple three points to extend their lead.

Pocklington responded just before half-time, their forwards producing quality ball that led to another try in the right-hand corner. With the conversion missed, Selby went into the break deservedly leading 17-10.

Joe Styrin replaced Sean Campbell at half-time, but just two minutes into the second half Pocklington struck again through winger Jackson, their third unconverted try reducing the deficit to two points.

Selby regrouped well, combining forward power and sharp back play to push deep into Pock territory. Another clean take from Hunt at the line-out set up multiple attacking phases, and when Selby couldn’t force their way over, they took advantage of a penalty advantage. Bennett repeated his earlier snipe to complete his second try, converted again by Bramley.

Pocklington’s forwards then showed their resilience, earning a penalty in front of the posts to take three points. The turning point came soon after when James Bramley was yellow-carded for taking a player out in the air. Down to fourteen men, Selby conceded two converted tries as Pocklington finally took control and moved 32-24 ahead—perhaps not entirely deservedly.

Ben Parker (sponsored by Hartleys) replaced Joey Reid, and Campbell returned for Hunt as Selby chased the game. With ten minutes to go and eight points adrift, a bonus point or two was still in reach. The visitors dug deep—Styrin was held up just short before recycling cleanly—and another wave of attacks followed. Once again, Bennett darted through for his hat-trick try, and Bramley’s conversion brought Selby to within a single point.

The final five minutes were played mostly around halfway. Pocklington held firm and ran down the clock, while Selby couldn’t quite force an opening or a penalty. The whistle came as a relief for the hosts.

This was another clear step forward for a developing Selby squad, with hard work on the training pitch starting to show results. The travelling support—old and young alike—was much appreciated by the players. Next up is Old Brodleians away. KO 3.00 pm

The seconds continued their perfect start, making it five wins from five to top Merit Table East after beating Pocklington Panthers 24-15 at home. Also at Sandhill Lane, the thirds beat Yarnbury thirds 24-17. A youthful front row of Copperwheat, Barrett, and Askin provided the grunt, with Randall at number 8 adding guile. Both squads fielded strong benches in another positive weekend for the club.