YORKSHIRE One table-toppers York RUFC maintained their five-point lead at the summit with a 10-7 derby win at Selby.

The leaders were run close by their relegation-threateneded rivals, however, with Selby leading at half-time and almost nicking a victory late on.

York had Jon Dawes out injured while skipper Sam Forbes made his return via the bench so they presented a reshuffled backline.

Selby made their intentions clear from the off, driving strongly into York territory, only to be pulled up for a forward pass.

Almost immediately, York were penalised for not releasing on the ground - the first of many such infringements throughout the game.

Although nothing came of that foul, eight minutes later, from a similar penalty, Selby found touch in the corner and a maul from the ensuing lineout saw Duncan Hardy crash over, with the extras added.

A period of scrappy play followed, edged by Selby, although York were showing glimpses of their intent with good runs from Will Atkin and Lewis Hannibal.

Towards the end of the first half, York began to drive forward, led by number eight Shane Goulding, and they earned a penalty which was converted well by George Davies.

Selby could have extended their lead going into the break as Dan Coe was penalised for not releasing, but the penalty was missed.

The second half started with a continuation of the same error-strewn play, and early on Selby missed another penalty from another infringement on the ground.

This marked the end of Selby’s threat for a 20-minute period which saw York build pressure and pin their hosts back largely through good work by Goulding and Luke Stockton.

Goulding was held just short of the line, before the introduction of Forbes from the bench finally saw York over the whitewash. Davies duly converted for a 10-7 lead.

York could have pressed home the advantage at this point but, in failing to secure the restart, they allowed Selby to hack forward and it was only good covering from Liam Hessay that enabled York to touch down in goal and concede a five-metre scrum.

When York returned to the attack, they looked more fluid but failed to capitalise with Davies missing a penalty.

A roused Selby then pressed for the final 10 minutes.

The hosts drove well into the opposition 22 and, when York were penalised, they kicked for the corner only to be unable to secure the lineout ball.

Another York infringement saw Selby again kick for the corner and this time only desperate defence kept the rolling maul from the try-line before a Selby knock-on gave a grateful Toby Atkin the opportunity to kick for touch to close the game.

Meanwhile, York RI lost 27-12 at home to Halifax in the Yorkshire Four Shield.