Selby RUFC came crashing back to earth with a 28-16 home Yorkshire One defeat to Ilkley.

In a first half, Intermediate Cup quarter-finalists Selby were caught cold and conceded a converted try in the third minute, they then went on to dominate and should have built a substantial lead but failed abysmally to turn their pressure into points, leading only 8-7 at half-time.

The second half was an altogether different affair with Ilkley totally dominating the first quarter and despite an improved performance in the last quarter by Selby, Ilkley ran out deserving winners.

Ilkley forged ahead after three minutes through winger Brendan Kelly, stand-off Anthony Cadman kicking an excellent conversion.

Selby countered strongly, but stout defence prevented any score until the 22nd minute when Dan Porter put Selby's first points on the board with a penalty. Two minutes later another rolling maul ended with Ilkley flanker Charlie Cudworth yellow-carded.

The hosts seized their chance and took the lead from a tap penalty with a try in the corner from Andy Bennett after Wright Phillips, who had an excellent game, had set up the platform. Porter missed the conversion.

Ilkley's half-time pep talk obviously worked and they scored almost instantly. Kelly went over for his second try, Cadman kicking the extras.

Kevin Weston, who was making his first start of the season, was replaced by Mark Rollinson in the second row after 50 minutes but Ilkley increased their lead in the 58th minute with the try of the match by their full-back Sean Gilbert who went in at the corner on the overlap.

Again Cadman kicked an excellent conversion for a 21-8 lead.

At last, Selby began to make some inroads and they were rewarded in the 61st minute after a tap penalty on the 22 metre line was spread wide for Shaun Austerfield to touch down near the corner - Porter off target with the kick.

With Paul Scott replacing Porter, Selby further reduced their arrears when Ilkley were caught offside in front of their posts. Toby Pemberton kicked the penalty to reduce the arrears to 21-16.

But Ilkley regained control again and sealed victory in the 79th minute with their fourth try of the game by second row forward BJ Fowler, Cadman kicking his fourth conversion.

This defeat drops Selby to ninth place with the three clubs below them now having a game in hand after only two games were possible on Saturday.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, January 24, 2005