Selby’s first and second teams both headed up the A19 to play local rivals York. After last weekend’s disappointing result against Alnwick, a game against a team who had ended Scunthorpe’s unbeaten run, was a daunting prospect. The clubhouse beforehand seemingly having more Selby supporters than home team, with a pleasing number of junior players present with their parents. Finlay Wotton making his debut as yet another pair of brothers play for Selby this season. A shock to the system to this correspondent of an entrance fee of £8, perhaps contributing to the home sides well paid squad.

York kicked off with the first use of the elements - which blew diagonally to the bottom corner of the pitch. Two penalties conceded as the Selby front row stood up enabling York to make ground into the 22 for a line out. A clean take and forward drive seeing flanker Simpson come up with the ball ,the conversion missed from wide out.

York then became dominant as their prop forwards made good yards with ball in hand and stand-off, Shackleton, using the wind to good effect. The young Swans defence excellent with Max Wotton’s one on one tackling particularly impressive, conceding no penalties and York unable to control the slippery ball. A clean break by the stand-off then saw scrum half Atkin touch down for a converted try on twenty minutes.

Duncan Hardy replaced Jack Todd and his experience and nouse enabled Selby to play a tight short passing game involving forwards and backs and it was disappointing to concede a try to York by second row Stock following a forward drive. Selby provided encouragement by seeing no further scoring till half time with Laurence Taylor introduced, making an immediate impact.

The second half saw conditions worsening with the wind and rain both getting stronger, but in Selby’s favour. The Swans received the kick off and had an impressive number of phases making ground into the York half. The game evenly contested and Selby making good use of the wind. Todd then came back on for Joey Reid and Charlie Cicero, particularly impressive, from number eight to retain possession, Selby looking the most likely scorers. Duncan Hardy then received a warm reception as he came off and a rejuvenated Reid returned.

The close quarter work of the forwards complemented by the backs taking turns as well, it was a disappointment that impressive home prop Jackson scored a converted try for York on 75 minutes. The home supporters relieved and commenting afterwards on the commitment and defence of Selby being excellent.

Not the result anyone wanted but a performance the team and supporters could be proud of. The players of both sides are to be congratulated for their determination to play rugby in very difficult conditions. The seconds losing 38-0 earlier in the afternoon and the joint third and fourth team losing 20-0 on Friday night.

We look forward again to this Saturday when Cleckheaton visit Sandhill Lane for another triple header with the Muffits (a collection of supporters and ex-players with many years’ service to Selby RUFC) and their supporters having Christmas lunch. If they are the past, read online how our juniors and ladies get on proving the future is in good hands.

View from the York Stand on a much better day!