A strong Selby Rugby Union Club XV and a lightweight Exiles side served up a feast of rugby in their annual fixture on Boxing Day.

Before the kick-off a minut's silence was observed in memory of one of the club's stalwarts, who died on the morning of the match.

Selby won the game 53-21. It took only three minutes for Selby, playing into a strong wind, to take the lead when Tony Godfrey squeezed in at the corner courtesy of a missed tackle by Carl Patterson.

The next 12 minutes saw the Exiles do most of the pressing and they got their reward in the 15th when Ed Clark (London Nigerians) went over under the posts. Patterson converted.

Three minutes later, John Hick, who was impressive throughout on his first start of the season, forced his way over.

The Exiles scored four minutes later afterplaying switched from end to end, Andy Huetson (Ripon) going over near the posts to give Patterson another easy goal.

Selby came storming back, energetic flanker Duncan Phillips crossing twice. Both tries were converted by Dan Porter to put Selby back ahead at 24-14.

The Exiles had the last say in the first half when Paul Stockley scored under the posts, Patterson converting.

Selby had the wind in the second half and soon started to dominate.

Charlie Booth and Andy Bennett, whose direct running had attracted the eye, soon crossed and Jason Cicero then sprinted over for a try converted by Porter to put the Selby XV out of sight at 41-21.

Further tries by impressive scrum-half David Bramley and David Batty, the latter being converted by Porter, brought the scoring to a close.

Updated: 11:15 Monday, December 29, 2003