Selby Swans flew to the top of the Yorkshire One league table with an excellent bonus point win away at YMCA, thanks mainly to a superb first half display of fifteen man running rugby. Enforced changes in the front row saw the return of ultra-experienced prop Duncan Hardy, together with usual second-teamer Charlie Thompson at hooker, with coach Jay Robinson moving down to flanker – with all three, together with centre Tomasi Tanumi, putting in storming performances throughout.

As last week, Selby started off on fire with the forwards winning good ball and the backs sending the ball expertly down the line. An immediate overlap for a simple try was worked, and then spurned, but Henry Wright slotted a simple penalty soon after for an early leads. More great team play was to follow before Robinson sent bruiser Liam Hogan on his way, to slip a surprisingly dainty pass to supporting second rower Jamie Ibbetson to crash over for 0-10.

To presage later problems for Selby, only their own indiscretions were giving YMCA any foothold in the game, but with Selby’s scrum much improved from last week and giving the home team’s much larger pack a very hard time, together with superb defensive intensity from all, the Swans line remained intact. More super Selby back play then open up another clear overlap for a try, which coach Robinson surprisingly butchered with an inside pass (watch the video Jay!) before Selby’s penalty indiscipline gave YMCA some much needed relief.

Robinson quickly made amends though as, after Alex Webster’s long kick down-field; he backed up scrum half Danny Wilkinson’s superb chase and charge down to be there to pick up the pieces, to dot down for an exhilarating 0-15 lead. And the travelling Swans supporters were soon treated to more joy, as from another solid scrum near their own 22 the ball was fed wide to send full back Olly Turvey away up the field, to then expertly release big ‘Bob’ Robinson away up his right wing to race in for 0-22 at half time.

After such a fabulous first half, the second was very frustrating for Selby with, despite the wind at their backs, the Swans barely managing to get out of their half, as a series of penalties against them gave YMCA masses of ball and territory to play with. With some confidence now renewed, YMCA battered away at the Selby line, but with more resolute defending the Swans somehow survived it, just – before, after great initial work from Tanumi, Harrison Green battered forward to give Jay Robinson his second try for a four-try bonus point lead of 0-27 on the hour. Normal service then resumed as Selby’s penalty count exploded exponentially with, surprisingly, only Hogan and Sam Broughton being invited by Mr Referee for a 10 minute sit down - and the self-imposed pressure just had to tell as YMCA eventually forced their way over for a final score of 7-27.

So, a sublime first half for Selby, then followed by a disappointing lack of control in the second - but the season is young, rugby is back, the beer is flowing, and Selby are (for now) on top of the World, so who’s complaining? The Swans are now at home, 3pm kick off, on Saturday against Roundhegians, and everyone and anyone is welcome!