Selby strengthened their position towards the top of the Yorkshire One table with another seriously good team performance, and big win, away at Beverley.

On a beautiful day for rugby, and against an opposition who like Selby are keen to play an open running game, the initial skirmishes augured well for an entertaining game and the Swans stuck first as a kick upfield bounced wickedly, and kindly, into centre Harry Kelly’s hands, to expertly feed the supporting Alex Webster to race in for 0-7 early doors. Beverley then showed their intent with some crisp back play and, aided by Selby captain Ash Parkinson’s own indiscipline in removing himself from the fray for ten minutes, the Beavers came close - but the skipper’s teammates covered his considerable behind admirably with some resolute defending to prevent any score.

Selby continued to move the ball slickly though, changing the point of attack from open to blind and back, and it was Beverley’s turn to show their defensive mettle, before diminutive scrum-half Danny Wilkinson pinched the ball off Beverley’s big boys, to win a penalty that willowy fly-half Henry Wright despatched to extend the lead to 0-10. And Wilkinson was involved again soon after as, after another super back move and touchline charge by ‘Big Truck’ winger Bob Robinson, he took the inside pass to cross for a great try and thoroughly deserved 0-17 lead. Selby were now well on top, with Beverley struggling to cope with their superior movement - but the Swans failed to put the game to bed as, after more glorious back play, two ‘touchdowns’ were overruled by Ms Referee in quick order for passes that weren’t backward enough for her liking, and then a good midfield break from Webster came to naught as the final pass went down. And salt was then rubbed in as Beverley’s Phil DuBoulay kicked a penalty for 3-17 at half time.

Some Selby supporter concern about their early-season ‘secondhalfitis’ - of failing to capitalise on a good first half performance, with a subdued second half - were not helped immediately after the restart as, after good work down the touchline by winger George Stoker, they blew another great chance as the simplest of touchdowns was knocked on over the Beverley line. And things then started to look ominous as Beverley started to get their act together, camping on the Selby line before a snappy pass sent Calum Harvey in under the posts for 10-17, and game fully back on.

However, rather than a nervy last quarter, Swans supporters (and Beverley’s) were treated to a masterclass of running rugby, which simply blew the Beavers away as they were unable to cope with Selby’s sparkling handling and movement. Wright extended the lead with another penalty before one-way traffic commenced as Selby ran riot. Firstly, Stoker raced up the left wing to put in full-back Olly Turvey; coach Jay Robinson sped up the right wing to kick through for Wright to finish off; Wilkinson and Webster combined to send in Turvey again; and finally, Ibbetson, Webster and Broughton put in Stoker, to finish off a superb 10-44 win.

While all six Selby tries were scored by backs, the forwards were magnificent too, playing with skill, power, and full commitment throughout – and with the team, and wider squad, containing many of tender years, the future for Selby is looking bright.

Selby now take on Bradford Salem at home on Saturday, kick off 3pm. Come and be entertained (and if not, have a drink instead!).