Local city rivals, York, made the short trip to Sandhill Lane for the return fixture after the pre-Christmas clash in the torrential rain and wind. Saturday also marked the final home fixture, welcoming Selby’s valued sponsors. The playing surface appeared perfect until a sudden heavy downpour occurred as the teams warmed up, leaving the surface, and the ball, slippery as the game kicked off.

York received the kick off but the return kick failed to find touch as Adam Infante skilfully kept the ball in play. After a quick pass infield, the ball was recycled before returning skipper, Alex Webster, made a clean break through centre field, offloading the ball to Oli Parsonage in support on his left shoulder. From the 22 metre line Parsonage turned on the afterburners to touch down to the left of the posts with 90 seconds gone. An easy conversion for Wright and the majority of the large crowd delighted.

Average kicking followed from both sides with Selby’s chasers having the upper hand as the hosts camped in the visitors half. A knock on by Jamie Dentith saw him and the other seven forwards take a notable scalp with a win against the head during York’s put in to further boost Selby morale.

York made an early substitution, with the introduction of prop Lewi Jackson. After a line-out following a penalty, he peeled off the back and barrelled his way over the line. The conversion bringing York level on 27 minutes. York continued to apply pressure and another penalty, kicked to within five metres, saw the heavyweight York pack get blind side flanker, Goulding, over. George Davies successfully converting making the score 7-14.

The young Swans levelled the score, by hitting back at the scrum which saw the forwards power through with replacement prop forward, Ryan Lamb, driving very low to secure the touchdown with the rest of the pack providing crucial support.

Shortly after the restart in the second half, Joe Scholefield, put in a monumental tackle on the York prop, Jackson, in front of the clubhouse, knocking him backwards despite his weight disadvantage, showing the determination of the team. James Bramley followed up with a fantastic break in to the York 22. As Paul Townend was held up, the ball was laid back and somehow Hola Vea muscled his way over to touch down from seven metres out despite the odds stacked against him. Henry Wright converting and Selby again had the lead.

The greasy surface then made the game a forwards contest. Selby on top in the set piece with York’s muscle in the close quarters, giving them an edge. Eventually, York gained a penalty that led them to score another try from a line-out and drive and with the successful conversion, the scores were level again at 21 a piece on 65 minutes.

Four minutes later Selby capitalised on a York infringement on the ground and the trusty boot of Wright converted a penalty from forty yards out from in front of the posts.

Max Wotton was then replaced by Joey Reid due to a nasty looking eye injury and suddenly York were on top in the scrum. Following two further scrums that resulted in a penalty advantage, the ball was spread to the right wing where Woffendin managed to squeeze in at the corner. The difficult conversion by Davies, crucial in opening up a four point lead.

Selby needing to score a try in the remaining seven minutes to claim victory, gave it their all, but it was not to be. They earned three penalties and camped in the visitors 22 but were unable to get the try they deserved. York relieved to hang on as time ran out.

A tremendous effort. The one point seeing Selby go up two places as Percy Park and Blaydon failed to garner points. On April 5th both the first and second team travel to Blaydon in a relegation showdown. A win, similar to their season opener, required for Selby in the final fixture. The team confident and many spectators likely to make the long journey to continue the support the team deserve.

On Friday night the fourth team travelled to York and beat their counterparts 33-50 . The under 16s bringing home the silverware in their Yorkshire Cup campaign against Morley 33-0 on Sunday.

There will be a supporters bus travelling to Blaydon on Saturday 5th April. Please email Karen on comms@selbyrufc.com if you wish to travel and haven't already indicated that you wish to do so. Bus departing around 11 am and returning between 8/9pm.