Selby welcomed Heath last Saturday, one of six clubs and the highest ranked from the town of Halifax. Selby welcomed Sam Broughton back after his stag party and Joey Reid to the bench, Ben Poskitt starting at stand off the main changes to the line up.

Heath started the brighter and play was mostly in the Selby’s half. The considerable weight of the visitors forwards and backs giving them an advantage in the gain line confrontation. Eventually the pressure told on fourteen minutes as a kick to touch led to a line out catch and drive and the heavyweight Heath hooker, Pilcher, was driven over for a try which was converted.

Selby responded immediately as from an attacking line out the forward’s edged towards the posts before releasing the ball to stand off Poskitt who held the line as Adam Infante ghosted in off his shoulder with a superb running line to score under the posts, Charlie Bramley converting for 7-7.

Play then centred in front of the clubhouse to the delight of the Ladies who had been having lunch and prosecco at their annual luncheon. From a steady scrum quick and clean possession saw Charlie Bramley scythe through the Heath defence before laying the ball off to Infante who took a diagonal line to score his second try under the posts which was converted.

Heath were very much still in the game and just five minutes later their experienced player coach, Chris Johnson, threaded an accurate kick towards the Selby line that was not taken care of and the Heath centre scored a simple touch down.

Selby then had a long range penalty from Bramley drift wide and then got another penalty as Heath back chatted the referee. Centre Metcalfe still not content with the decision then received a yellow card for his efforts. Selby kicked to touch to try and take the initiative, however the ten minutes to half time against 14 saw no further score and Selby led 14-12 as the whistle went.

Heath took the lead from a Johnson penalty after just two minutes of the second half as the large number of visiting supporters found their voices and they retook the lead. Johnson then showing his former premiership class with superb 50/20 laying the platform for a converted Heath try on 55 minutes.

Selby managed to retain possession in the Heath half but excellent defence kept them at bay, often turning the ball over to the visitors. Selby got a lucky break as indecision saw the ball charged down by Selby second row Paul Townend and he was able to regather and touch down just to the right of the posts. Bramley’s conversion leaving Selby trailing by a point.

As throughout the game the scoring side was unable to cement their position as Heath scored four minutes later from a line out drive. Johnson adding the conversion to complete a man of the match performance.

With six minutes to go the game became fragmented and Sam Fuimaono received a yellow card. The game ending as Heath hooker and pantomime villain Pilcher kicked the ball off the field. The final score 29-21 to Heath. Selby leaving the field with no points for their efforts against a side who finished second in this league last year but who were there for the taking.

Next up, an away trip to Ilkley who are one place and one point below the Swans in what already looks like a crucial game as the season progresses.

Disappointment also for the seconds losing at Hunslet Wolves 28-27. Sean Campbell, Jacob Gabel, Nick Camfield the try scorers alongside a brace from number eight Ben Bell.