FOR the second successive season Selby RUFC preserved their Yorkshire One status with a final day bonus-point victory.

Scarborough were the opposition this time – a side on a five-match unbeaten run and having previously lost just one home fixture all season.

Their task became harder still after five minutes when the hosts were awarded a penalty, which they kicked to the corner to set up a clinical catch and drive from the line-out.

Isaac Faamau was credited with the score and a fine conversion from Tom Ratcliffe gave the seasiders an early advantage.

Selby responded when a scrum on the Scarborough 10-metre line was won and the ball moved quickly to centre Alex Webster who ran in for a fine individual try. Full back Scott Hunt levelled the scores with an excellent conversion.

With 33 minutes played, the visitors took a deserved lead when superb handling between backs and forwards created an overlap for Harry Cruise to exploit.

Although Hunt was unable to hit the target with the kick, he soon extended his side’s advantage to eight points when a high tackle on Lunt was penalised.

From the first play of the second half, Scarborough conceded a penalty at the breakdown and the kick to the corner presented Selby with an early scoring opportunity.

The line-out was won cleanly and a tremendous forward surge saw Duncan Hardy driven over, establishing a 13-point lead.

The home side stormed back upfield and another catch and drive saw Faamau dive over for his second try of the afternoon with Harrison’s excellent conversion further reducing the deficit.

Harrison returned from a yellow card 'break' to play his part in a try for home centre Ratcliffe. The fly half missed the conversion, but the 20-19 score in Selby’s favour ensured a nervy finale.

When the away side forced their way into the Scarborough 22 with just a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, the home forwards again conceded a penalty just a few metres from their line.

With a large number of the crowd expecting a kick at goal, Selby instead opted for a scrum as they went in search of the bonus point try.

Their first attempt, a push over, almost brought about the score but when the drive was halted the ball was moved quickly to Hunt who went over from short range.

Josh Cruise was unable to add the extras and Selby faced a frantic few minutes as the referee decided there had been over 10 minutes of injury stoppages.

However, some superb defence ensured that the visitors held firm to claim a fine 25-19 victory, and remain in Yorkshire One for the 2017/18 campaign.