A TREMENDOUS second-half performance was not quite enough as a late sucker punch saw Selby lose 22-18 to Old Brodleians.

Brods can go second in Yorkshire One if they win their game in hand so Selby began as underdogs, yet they almost pulled off a shock, turning around a 10-0 half-time deficit to get into a match-winning position only to see victory snatched away with a couple of minutes left in one of the most entertaining matches of the season at Sandhill Lane.

Selby fell behind to an early penalty for offside kicked by Brods second-row Ollie Ackroyd, and the visitors went on to dominate most of the first half.

However, heroic efforts in defence - including the ten minutes which debutant Eddie Brown spent in the sin-bin - restricted Brods to just one further score, which came on half-time, flanker Jonny Cole crossing to give Ackroyd an easy conversion.

With skipper Rob Taylor unable to continue after the break, it looked ominous for Selby but a performance full of determination and no little skill brought about a transformation in which the hosts played some of their best rugby of term.

Pressure on the resumption forced Brodleians onto the defensive and within four minutes they had scrum-half Tom Breakwell yellow-carded.

Two minutes later, Selby opened their account via a penalty by Josh Cruise, making his first appearance of the season at fly-half.

They immediately returned to the attack and appeared certain to score when Brown broke from a scrum only to be hauled down short. Brods' respite was shortlived, though, as a second penalty by Cruise from a difficult angle made it 10-6.

Sam Pocklington replaced the hard-working Andy McLoughlin at scrum-half and quickly made an impact, launching an attack down the left before sprinting through onto Bob Robinson kick and crossing for a super try in the corner.

With Breakwell back on, Brodleians quickly reasserted authority and, after penalty to touch five metres from the Selby line, a catch and drive at the lineout saw Reece Ward touch down, Ackroyd goaling.

Undeterred, the young Selby side tore into their opponents again and Brown gained reward for an all-action display when, following numerous phases of play, the defence was stretched to breaking point. Cruise hit another excellent conversion for an 18-17 lead.

Selby piled on the pressure but missed a couple of penalty chances and Brodleians slowly made their way upfield.

A penalty for a high tackle gave the visitors the chance to kick to the five-metre line again and there was a sense of inevitability as a secure lineout saw Ward driven over for his second try.

Still, Brods conceded a penalty following a knock-on at the restart, giving Selby one last chance. Cruise kicked to the corner and the ball was secured at the lineout. But as the home forwards inched their way towards the line, the defence showed great composure in stopping the drive and holding the maul up.