The penultimate home regional one North East fixture saw Wakefield’s only rugby union side, Sandal, make the short trip to Sandhill Lane. The match held particular significance as it coincided with a special reunion of Selby's three legendary Yorkshire Shield-winning teams from 1974, 82 and 95. This nostalgic gathering, orchestrated by rugby stalwarts Ray and Arthur Adamson alongside Toby Pemberton, drew a large crowd, eager to celebrate past glories while witnessing a much needed win for Selby.

Selby were immediately into their stride, capitalising on an early opportunity with a penalty kicked in to the far left corner near the cricket pavilion. Paul Townend securing the first of many line outs, with the forwards rallying round him and it was no surprise that Jamie Dentith came up with the ball to score the opening try. Henry Wright missing the conversion, Selby led after three minutes.

As to be expected Sandal hit straight back. After regaining possession at kick off they recycled the ball and went through the phases. Their centre, Bainbridge, capitalised through a gap with a penalty advantage and with the backs re-set Bainbridge then finished the move he started by putting through a grubber kick and scoring himself. The kick missed and the scores now level.

In a tightly contested match, Selby then saw a good opportunity slip away as Alex Webster reclaimed a high kick from Wright and fed the supporting Charlie Bramley who was held up just short. On ten minutes Sam Broughton had to leave the field with a leg injury after a trademark rampage and a reshuffle in the Selby pack. Charlie Cicero, who has been influential on his return, stepping up into the second row and delivering an impressive performance for the rest of the game.

In a tense and action-packed segment of the match, Adam Infante's interception seemed like a promising opportunity, but his unexpected takedown just short of the line left the supporters, especially today’s match day sponsors Wain Gap, visibly disappointed. With no support the visitors turned the ball over and cleared the danger. Injury struck again as Charlie Bramley them limped off to be replaced by Ben Poskitt. Selby then came under severe pressure conceding three penalties in a short space of time near their own line. A yellow card looked imminent, but a fortuitous loose pass from Sandal went straight in to touch allowing Selby to regroup and refocus.

The Swans then broke the shackles as debutant Antun Wilson and Hola Vea broke free advancing the ball all the way up to the visitors 22 metre line. The pressure proved too much for Sandal, resulting in a penalty for killing the ball. Wright kicking the ball between the posts to hand Selby a 8-5 lead after 37 minutes. However, the excitement was tempered by an injury to Alex Webster, who was forced to leave the field with a leg injury, making way for a patched up, Charlie Bramley.

On the re-start, Wright showed an excellent offload with soft hands to release Charlie Bramley who in turn, fed Adam Infante who was unfortunately bundled into touch. The home side were now on top with most of the play in the visitors half but unable to break down the defence. Joey Reid and Wilson both had powerful thrusts and came tantilisingly close to scoring. However, Sandal broke out and it needed Wright to prevent a score by chasing back to secure the ball as the visitors threatened.

Selby regrouped and made their way back up field and despite Sandal having the ball, visiting stand-off, Joannou, attempted an ambitious cross field kick to his winger that Joe Schofield claimed only to be forced in to touch. An overthrow then saw diminutive scrum half, Archie Bennett, claim the ball and head infield leading his forwards to a try under the posts with replacement prop Joey Reid claiming the try. 15-5 to the hosts as Wright converted the easiest of kicks.

Stalemate then ensued mainly in the Sandal half at the Leeds Road end with both sides sharing possession. Selby eventually getting a break as a penalty on half way saw Sandal marched back ten metres for back chat. No hesitation from this attacking young side with the ball kicked to the corner. Reid and Dentith then had drives held up, till eventually the ball was spread wide where Joe Scholefield dummied and sidestepped his way over and touch down. The conversion missed from wide out .

With two minutes to go the question was whether Selby could round off the game with a bonus point fourth try. Adam Infante was set free in his own half but the vigilent wingers forced him in to touch. The Sandal throw again went long, only this time, the more muscular Hola Vea, scooped the ball up and he took a couple of defenders over the line with him as he touched down just to the left of the posts. Wright adding the conversion to see a final score of Selby 27 Sandal 5 .

The seconds entertained Pontefract at Sandhill Lane delivering an impressive performance securing a dominant a 43-7 victory. Seven different try scorers with Jack Todd, Ed Wake, Danny Wilkinson, Laurence Taylor, James (Bob) Robinson, Alex Dolan and Quintin McGrory-Hill contributing. Two conversions each added by Harry Chantry and Jacob Gabel. The seconds now top of their RFU merit table with nine wins from twelve. The thirds travelled to Mosbrough veterans and lost a closely contested game 34-31.

Congratulations to Joe Scholefield, Ollie Parsonage and Jack Todd for their selection for Yorkshire under twenties squad. All having come through mini and junior rugby at Selby.

Next week the firsts travel to Halifax based side Heath looking to continue the winning run. The seconds entertain Doncaster Phoenix at Sandhill Lane. England play Scotland kick off 4-45 an exciting weekend of rugby to look forward to .