Selby RUFC travelled to Roundhegians' Memorial Ground to defend their Leeds 10s' title but fell at the last hurdle when they were beaten 31-17 by Knottingley.

A disappointing total of only seven clubs participated on the day in searing temperatures. Selby were placed in pool 'B' with Roundhegians 'B', Knottingley and Harling Select, a team based at the Nags Head pub at nearby Chapel Allerton. After crushing Harling Select 44-0, Selby had a comfortable 29-12 win over Knottingley and finished unbeaten at the top of the group by thumping Roundhegians 'B' 36-7.

Selby progressed to the final after beating Rounhegians 'A' 19-0 in the semis.

In the final, Selby played Knottingley, who had been disposed of comfortably in the pool stages, but it was a different story this time.

After taking a 17-0 lead by half-time, with two tries by Andy Bennett and a converted try from New Zealander Phil Raffan, who had been impressive throughout the tournament, Selby ran out of steam in the second half, conceding five tries, three of which were converted.

Despite a late rally, which saw Selby threaten the Knottingley line for the first time in the second half, there was no coming back and Selby lost 31-17.

Selby squad: Andrew Pocklington (capt), Tony Godfrey, Jason Cicero, Andy Bennett, Mathew Smith, Phil Raffan, Chris Abbishaw, Wright Phillips, Ben Booth, Alex Whisker, Martin Protheroe, Shane Sellars, Dave Christison, Mark Rollinson, Paul Randall.

Raffan was the leading scorer with six tries.

Updated: 14:40 Monday, August 11, 2003