CONSISTENCY is the key word for Selby RUFC as they prepare for a Yorkshire One derby clash with Pontefract.

The Sandhill Lane outfit have struggled to string results together this season, much to the frustration of coach Richard Nicholson.

The encouragement of back-to-back victories over Middlesbrough and North Ribblesdale was wiped out by last weekend’s 24-16 home defeat by struggling Old Brodleians.

The North Ribblesdale win was the Swans’ sole success on the road in five attempts this season, but Nicholson is keen to improve that record with consecutive trips to Ponte and Heath.

“Our away games have all been tight and the win at Ribblesdale was a good, positive performance,” said Nicholson.

“That shows we can do it if the attitude and mental side of the game is right.

“Away from home we have lacked consistency, but we have to roll our sleeves up and get on with it.

“Ponte is a derby for us so we haven’t got the excuse of a long journey - it is only 20 minutes down the road.”

Nicholson admitted that losing to Old Brods was a setback, adding: “They deserved to win and there are no excuses.

“We didn’t perform and that was disappointing. We had two good results but we took our eye off the ball.”

Selby are hoping to welcome back Pete Turner and Jack Guest.

“We have been struggling in the backs,” said Nicholson. “It would be good to be able to select proper backs rather than have forwards filling in.

“If they come through training, they will be back in. They would both give us more pace, which would help.”