NESTLE Rowntree RUFC, after three very good performances in the Northern Merit League, struggled to show any real intent away to Selby 3rds yet came from behind to bank a 27-19 victory.

The York outfit started well but then allowed a useful-looking Selby side to run with the ball and after 10 minutes the hosts scored a try out wide.

Trees were guilty of giving too much ball away but, after surviving a few scares, they finally ran the ball wide and outside-centre Morgan Cames scampered in to score an unconverted try.

On the stroke of half-time, however, they allowed Selby to run again and slipshod tackling saw the home team score a converted try under the posts for a 12-5 lead.

Trees responded after the break and a strong run saw centre Dave Straker barrel over for a try which Jack Daniels converted.

They were now playing much better but again the defence surprisingly let them down and Selby took the lead for a third time with a converted try.

Again Trees responded with prop Zak Hardy scoring and Daniels converting.

Then, after putting Selby under pressure, Morgan Cames scored his second try, and Trees made it safe when hooker Jack Gabbatiss dropped a goal from wide out to seal a hard-fought 27-19 victory.