THERE were plenty of plusses for the Selby RUFC coaching staff despite the side's 36-10 defeat in a friendly game at home to an impressive Doncaster 2nd XV.

Not least of the good points were the performances of their youngsters Anthony Wass in the second row and wingers Sam Weller and Rob Arnold.

Doncaster, with the advantage of having at least eight replacements to call on, were 10-5 behind at half-time, but in the second half they scored five unanswered tries.

In the ninth minute Doncaster's scrum-half stole the ball from a Selby scrum and spread the ball wide for winger James Rothwell to touch down in the corner.

In the 36th minute Doncaster dropped the ball on their own 20-metre line. Selby centre Andy Gabel picked up and sprinted the remaining 80 metres to touch down midway between the posts and touch. Andy Banks narrowly missed the conversion

Selby took the lead five minutes later in the first minute of added time when Doncaster were penalised in the maul on their own 15-metre line.

A quick tap penalty from Selby's man of the match Mathew Smith saw an exchange of passes between hooker Paul North and Smith. Despite North dropping the ball, Smith picked up and touched down near the corner. Banks missed the conversion, but Selby led 10-5.

Doncaster drew level in the 42nd minute. Selby's defence was rooted to the spot as stand-off Simon Greenslade stole over the line for the try.

Glen Hunter replaced Rob Arnold for Selby in the 59th minute. Two minutes later a poor kick to touch out of defence by Selby put Doncaster under pressure and although Selby turned over possession on their five-metre line the intended kick to touch was charged down, Rory Pearson touching down for Doncaster. Guy Townsley kicked the conversion.

With Shane Sellers replacing Richard Nicholson at flanker in the 65th minute, Doncaster started to dominate.

In the 68th minute a line-out on the Selby 20-metre line was spread wide for Stevie Meyer to touch down under the posts. Townsley added the extra points.

Four minutes later Doncaster scored the best try of the match. Exhilarating back play saw winger James Rothwell chip over the Selby defence to gather and touch down in the corner.

In the 76th minute Dan Storey scored the final try. Townsley converted.

Next Saturday, Selby have a league match at Ilkley.

Updated: 11:13 Monday, October 17, 2005