HOLDERS Harrogate made successful first strides in their defence of the Yorkshire Cup rugby union crown as they brushed aside Selby 52-17.

Harrogate were leaving nothing to chance as they fielded 13 of their first team squad in the first 40 minutes last night, bringing six second-teamers on after the interval.

However, Selby battled on bravely and were rewarded with three tries in the second half.

Jason Cicero, Tom Bayston and Rob Taylor all crossed with Ray Adamson slotting over one conversion.

Selby's chairman of rugby Sam Longthorpe said: "We played well, but this was never a game we was expected to win really."

Harrogate will now go on to face Huddersfield YMCA in the second round next Tuesday.

Also playing next Tuesday will be York, who beat Goole 26-10 in their first round tie on Tuesday.

Andy Gair's men face the unenviable task of entertaining highly-fancied National Two outfit Doncaster.

The Castle Park club fielded a strong side against Pocklington in the first half on Tuesday night, including the likes of Derek Eves and Rob Liley, and subsequently racked up a 76-5 victory.

However, what side York will be able to field is unsure, because the Clifton Parkers are due to play in the crucial Yorkshire One/Durham and Northumberland One play-off against Hartlepool Rovers four days later.

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, April 17, 2003