Selby RUFC lost 19-12 at Old Crossleyans, who are second in Yorkshire One, but gave an encouraging display.

Having trailed 19-7 by the 53rd minute, Selby looked the better side in the last quarter but, apart from a fine Shaun Austerfield try in the 77th minute, were unable to convert pressure into points.

Crossleyans looked the most likely to score in the first quarter, being denied by stoical defending.

But for poor kicking to touch, Selby may have created more problems in attack, but went behind as a missed tackle allowed scrum-half Chris Duffy to touch down, fly-half Thomas Best converting. Crossleyans soon extended the lead when the ball was spread wide with skipper Chris Seymour crossing.

Selby hit back when winning a Crossleyans throw close to the line. Fourth phase ball saw man of the match second-row Jason Cicero go over after good support by prop Richard Fuller. Porter converted.

Both sides missed penalties either side of half-time before Crossleyans scored through centre Tony Waite. Best goaled from in front but later missed a kickable penalty.

Selby dominated the last quarter as rolling mauls put pressure on. After one had taken Selby 40 metres up to the try-line, the ball was released for centre Shaun Austerfield to weave over.

Selby were now only a score away and, in the second minute of added-on time, Austerfield was tackled five metres short but a shortage of support let the hosts off the hook.

Updated: 10:32 Monday, January 23, 2006