Selby welcomed second-placed Pocklington to Sandhill Lane on Saturday in what was comfortably the largest crowd of the season. The local derby was further enhanced by the presence of the farming community attending their annual lunch, bringing together many familiar and new faces thanks to the efforts of Tom Bayston and his team.

The starting line-up featured several notable returns and milestones. Experienced number eight Sam Broughton made his 100th appearance for the club, Joe Ramsay returned on the wing after a lengthy injury lay-off, and Oli Parsonage came back in at full-back.

Both sides showed early nerves, with handling errors on the greasy surface following earlier rain. Pocklington began to apply pressure, missing an early penalty before a try-scoring chance was thwarted by a superb turnover from Hola Vea. The visitors eventually broke through when centre Elliott burst through to score an unconverted try.

Pocklington continued to press while Selby looked rusty and lethargic, though their defensive resolve held firm. When Selby infringed in front of the posts, the visitors sensibly took the three points to extend their lead.

The introduction of reinforcements from the bench, along with the influence of veteran Liam Hogan, seemed to galvanise the hosts. Joe Ramsay carried strongly in front of a packed stand before the ball was recycled, allowing stand-off – and carrot grower – Ben Poskitt to cross for a try, much to the delight of his fellow farmers. Conversion Charlie Bramley. A late penalty from Pollock for Pocklington made it 11–7 at the interval.

After some stern words at half-time, Selby responded positively. Harrison Green secured possession in the middle of the line-out, and after the forwards were held just short, prop Joey Reid broke away, wriggling over from close range. Charlie Bramley converted to give Selby a narrow lead.

What followed was a tense and evenly contested fifteen minutes. A sharp break from Parsonage finally shifted the momentum, and as Pocklington scrambled, a penalty was conceded. Bramley duly added the points to stretch the lead to 17–11 on the hour mark.
Liam Hogan was then shown a yellow card, but despite being a man down Selby took firm control, with superior fitness proving decisive. Bramley narrowly missed a penalty, but from the resulting drop-out Jamie Dentith led the charge beneath the Swans Nest – packed with Farmstar guests – before Harrison Green touched down.

From the restart Selby struck again almost immediately. James Bramley made a powerful break through the middle and, when halted, the ball was shifted to Parsonage, who dived over to mark his return with a try, converted by Bramley.

This burst of scoring drew the final of the farmers back pitch-side for the closing ten minutes, with the exception of Doug Dear’s guests. Selby rounded off the afternoon in style with the try of the day. Charlie Bramley broke through halfway before Archie Bennett weaved through in support. After a couple of crisp passes, Parsonage claimed his second, touching down under the posts. Hola Vea then nonchalantly drop-kicked the conversion as the final whistle sounded.

A packed clubhouse and surrounding area provided a warm welcome for both sets of players after the match. Final score: Selby 36, Pocklington 11.

Elsewhere, the Second XV’s unbeaten run came to an end with a 51–28 defeat at Pocklington, while the Third XV narrowly lost 44–31 against Leeds Corinthians, the visitors swapping places with Selby in the merit table.

On Sunday, in murky conditions away at Malton & Norton, Selby’s Womens XV showed great composure and resilience. Keeping their heads throughout, they found the crucial score in the final ten minutes to secure a deserved victory - 19 - 17.

Next week sees the rearranged away fixture at Old Crossleyans (Halifax), followed by Old Brodleians visiting Sandhill Lane on 31 January.