Match Report – Saturday 10 October 2026
Selby 31 – 21 Pontefract
Match Sponsor: Adina Developments
Photo credit: Steven Rhodes
Pictured Ash Parkinson & Jamie Dentith

The rearranged first game of the season took place on Saturday as Pontefract travelled to Sandhill Lane for an eagerly anticipated derby. Ben Hodder started on the wing, and there was a surprise return, on loan from London-based Barnes, for Ben Lodge. The bench was capable of real impact, featuring Jamie Dentith, Sean Campbell and Liam Hogan.

Selby started well, pushing the visitors backwards at the first scrum – an advantage Moores, Todd and captain Wotton would hold all afternoon. The sides were evenly matched until Pontefract took the lead from a lineout five metres out, with number eight Millard credited with the try.

The hosts regrouped. James Bramley (sponsored by his employer, Stephensons Rural) made two good breaks to take Selby into Pontefract’s 22. Selby opted for a scrum from a penalty and, after recycled ball, Hogan – on as a temporary replacement for Lodge, who had an eye injury – blasted over. Poskitt’s conversion levelled the scores.

Selby looked likely to score again, and a deliberate knock-on saw the visitors reduced to fourteen for ten minutes. Centre Ed Wake was stopped short, but the ball was popped up and Ash Parkinson crashed over from close range to score for the second week running.

Five minutes later the lead was extended. Playing with advantage from a scrum penalty, crisp handling by the backs set Lucien Letorey free in front of the clubhouse, cheered on by a large contingent of second-team players standing on the sturdy Oktoberfest tables and dressed for the occasion. The ball moved back infield and more short passes put Harrison Green (sponsored by John Stockdale) over near the posts for a converted try.

Pontefract replied when their winger and full-back combined, their genuine pace outstripping the Selby cover. With the game back to a one-score difference, Pontefract then fell foul of referee Andy Williamson, who had an excellent game, and were twice marched back ten metres. Selby kicked to the corner and James Hunt claimed the lineout. Hunt was impressive all afternoon, taking a number of Pontefract throws as well as his own, and was deservedly named man of the match. The forwards drove on and Parkinson scored his second try with the final action of the half. Half-time: 26-14.

Selby had control of both ball and territory after the restart but struggled to add to their score. Harrison Green was held up over the line, and Harry Clarke likewise shortly after. Eventually the pressure told: possession from a scrum was moved across the field and back before Jamie Dentith scored. The conversion struck the post.

The final score came from Pontefract, hooker Pickersgill looping round the back of a lineout to make it 31-21. The last fifteen minutes were a stalemate around halfway, with the hosts determined to deny the visitors a fourth try that would have earned them two bonus points.

Another productive afternoon in front of a large crowd for the first home game, with the junior coaches in the Swan’s Nest. Next week Malton & Norton are the visitors. A reminder to all mini and junior players, and anyone thinking of joining: admission at Sandhill Lane is free for all under-16s.

Other Teams
The 2nd XV game was called off as Wetherby couldn’t raise a side – so the seconds were prominent supporting the firsts, in lederhosen. The 4th XV lost 35-27 to Mosborough Veterans in a friendly, with young flanker Ali Ellam named man of the match.

The Ladies hosted Skipton on Sunday and lost 22-36 in a game only decided in the final fifteen minutes, with the lead changing hands throughout. Try scorers: Ella Parsonage (2), Kara Johnson and Honor Ratcliffe.