David Everatt
As with much local outdoor sport, rugby fell victim to the frost on Saturday 10 January. With no match played since the 17–17 draw against Morley before Christmas, it seems a good moment to reflect on the season so far and look ahead to what lies in store.
Following a significant loss of players over the summer, the campaign began with a disjointed and disappointing opening defeat away at Malton. Gradually, however, improvements followed as the coaching team, led by Jay Robinson, set about rebuilding confidence and cohesion. A narrow last-minute loss at early pace-setters Pocklington proved a turning point, giving the squad belief, which was quickly followed by an impressive home victory over promotion favourites Scarborough. At Christmas, Scarborough sit top of the table, with Pocklington close behind and Doncaster Phoenix at the foot. The rest of the league appears evenly matched, with home advantage often proving decisive.
The Second XV remain unbeaten and look well placed to challenge for the merit league title. As the First XV established a more settled squad, the seconds have done the same. George Swaine has become a regular after graduating from the colts, while several current colts have also tasted senior rugby, pointing to a bright future as the season progresses.
The Thirds and Fourths have also acquitted themselves well. Mismatched fixtures can present challenges, but enthusiasm and commitment are never in short supply. The age range on show is remarkable, with colts (19 and under) lining up alongside players old enough to be their fathers – and in some cases, they are. The list is topped by taxi-driving club legend Ian Copperwheat (67 on 1st Feb!), with James Fox, Dan Elcock and Richard Barrett overseeing matters as captains and managers for those keen to get a game.
Although Saturday’s fixture was lost to the weather, the selected First XV side offered a tantalising glimpse of what the new year could bring. Harry Tunningley’s impact before Christmas was impressive on his return, and naming three forwards on the bench is always an encouraging sign.
The Second XV squad also caught the eye, strengthened further by the welcome returns of long-term absentees Max Wotton and Joe Ramsay. Added to this were Oli Parsonage’s return at full-back and Jack Hebden rejoining the pack after a couple of pre-Christmas appearances. This depth can only be good news for players and supporters alike.
The women’s team continue to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Jack Coates. With new players joining regularly and a strong, competitive squad to select from, standards continue to rise week by week. Sitting third in their league, they travel to Malton & Norton this weekend looking to maintain their impressive form and build further momentum.
This week sees Pocklington visit Sandhill Lane, offering Selby the chance to lay down a marker and erase the late defeat suffered at Percy Road earlier in the season. A warm welcome is also extended to the farmers attending their annual pre-match gathering. Pete Foster, manning the gate, is expecting a strong turnout after four rugby-free Saturdays.
Supporters are advised to allow extra time for travel, as gas engineering works are taking place on Sandhill Lane. Access via Brayton and Bracken Hill Lane is recommended.
David Everatt
As with much local outdoor sport, rugby fell victim to the frost on Saturday 10 January. With no match played since the 17–17 draw against Morley before Christmas, it seems a good moment to reflect on the season so far and look ahead to what lies in store.
Following a significant loss of players over the summer, the campaign began with a disjointed and disappointing opening defeat away at Malton. Gradually, however, improvements followed as the coaching team, led by Jay Robinson, set about rebuilding confidence and cohesion. A narrow last-minute loss at early pace-setters Pocklington proved a turning point, giving the squad belief, which was quickly followed by an impressive home victory over promotion favourites Scarborough. At Christmas, Scarborough sit top of the table, with Pocklington close behind and Doncaster Phoenix at the foot. The rest of the league appears evenly matched, with home advantage often proving decisive.
The Second XV remain unbeaten and look well placed to challenge for the merit league title. As the First XV established a more settled squad, the seconds have done the same. George Swaine has become a regular after graduating from the colts, while several current colts have also tasted senior rugby, pointing to a bright future as the season progresses.
The Thirds and Fourths have also acquitted themselves well. Mismatched fixtures can present challenges, but enthusiasm and commitment are never in short supply. The age range on show is remarkable, with colts (19 and under) lining up alongside players old enough to be their fathers – and in some cases, they are. The list is topped by taxi-driving club legend Ian Copperwheat (67 on 1st Feb!), with James Fox, Dan Elcock and Richard Barrett overseeing matters as captains and managers for those keen to get a game.
Although Saturday’s fixture was lost to the weather, the selected First XV side offered a tantalising glimpse of what the new year could bring. Harry Tunningley’s impact before Christmas was impressive on his return, and naming three forwards on the bench is always an encouraging sign.
The Second XV squad also caught the eye, strengthened further by the welcome returns of long-term absentees Max Wotton and Joe Ramsay. Added to this were Oli Parsonage’s return at full-back and Jack Hebden rejoining the pack after a couple of pre-Christmas appearances. This depth can only be good news for players and supporters alike.
The women’s team continue to go from strength to strength under the guidance of Jack Coates. With new players joining regularly and a strong, competitive squad to select from, standards continue to rise week by week. Sitting third in their league, they travel to Malton & Norton this weekend looking to maintain their impressive form and build further momentum.
This week sees Pocklington visit Sandhill Lane, offering Selby the chance to lay down a marker and erase the late defeat suffered at Percy Road earlier in the season. A warm welcome is also extended to the farmers attending their annual pre-match gathering. Pete Foster, manning the gate, is expecting a strong turnout after four rugby-free Saturdays.
Supporters are advised to allow extra time for travel, as gas engineering works are taking place on Sandhill Lane. Access via Brayton and Bracken Hill Lane is recommended.
1st XV Match Preview: Selby RUFC v Pocklington
Selby’s 1st XV kick off their New Year campaign with a tough home test against high-flying Pocklington at Sandhill Lane. After an enforced break due to the weather, the squad will be keen to start 2026 with momentum and put right the narrow one-point defeat suffered away at Percy Road earlier in the season.
There’s a welcome boost to the side with Joe Ramsay returning on the wing, adding pace and finishing power out wide, while Max Wotton makes his return as part of the matchday squad in the 2nd XV, travelling to Pocklington, a positive sign as Selby continue to strengthen depth heading into the second half of the season.
Off the field, it promises to be a lively afternoon. 137 farmers are attending the annual pre-match lunch, meaning the clubhouse will be at capacity earlier in the day. The bar for spectators will open from 1.30pm, ahead of kick-off.
With home advantage, a big crowd and unfinished business against Pocklington, Selby will be looking to make a strong statement in their first outing of the year.
I trust that all players and spectators will conduct themselves in and around the pitch in a manner befitting the best traditions of Rugby Union, ensuring that all games played at Sandhill Lane can be enjoyed by everyone.
With the benefit of home advantage, we hope to build momentum this afternoon as we welcome Pocklington in the return fixture. The visitors currently sit second in the table, and Selby will be keen to avenge the narrow one-point defeat suffered earlier in the season. It is my pleasure to welcome all their players, supporters and committee members to the club.
Elsewhere, the Second XV face a stern test as they travel to Pocklington, looking to extend an outstanding run of 14 consecutive victories. The Third XV host Leeds Corinthians on the adjacent pitch in what promises to be a closely fought contest.
Tomorrow sees the Colts travel to West Park, while the Ladies make the short trip to face Malton & Norton. The Under 18 girls have no fixture this weekend, and the Under 16 girls face a challenging match against Dinnington/Sheffield Tigers.
As always, we are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors for their continued and valued support.
Our referee for today’s First XV fixture is David Downham from the [society], with Roger Stocker officiating the Third XV match. Please respect the decisions of both officials throughout the afternoon.
Enjoy your time at Selby RUFC and have a great afternoon.
Garry Adamson
Hon President
1st XV Match Preview: Selby RUFC v Pocklington
Selby’s 1st XV kick off their New Year campaign with a tough home test against high-flying Pocklington at Sandhill Lane. After an enforced break due to the weather, the squad will be keen to start 2026 with momentum and put right the narrow one-point defeat suffered away at Percy Road earlier in the season.
There’s a welcome boost to the side with Joe Ramsay returning on the wing, adding pace and finishing power out wide, while Max Wotton makes his return as part of the matchday squad in the 2nd XV, travelling to Pocklington, a positive sign as Selby continue to strengthen depth heading into the second half of the season.
Off the field, it promises to be a lively afternoon. 137 farmers are attending the annual pre-match lunch, meaning the clubhouse will be at capacity earlier in the day. The bar for spectators will open from 1.30pm, ahead of kick-off.
With home advantage, a big crowd and unfinished business against Pocklington, Selby will be looking to make a strong statement in their first outing of the year.
I trust that all players and spectators will conduct themselves in and around the pitch in a manner befitting the best traditions of Rugby Union, ensuring that all games played at Sandhill Lane can be enjoyed by everyone.
With the benefit of home advantage, we hope to build momentum this afternoon as we welcome Pocklington in the return fixture. The visitors currently sit second in the table, and Selby will be keen to avenge the narrow one-point defeat suffered earlier in the season. It is my pleasure to welcome all their players, supporters and committee members to the club.
Elsewhere, the Second XV face a stern test as they travel to Pocklington, looking to extend an outstanding run of 14 consecutive victories. The Third XV host Leeds Corinthians on the adjacent pitch in what promises to be a closely fought contest.
Tomorrow sees the Colts travel to West Park, while the Ladies make the short trip to face Malton & Norton. The Under 18 girls have no fixture this weekend, and the Under 16 girls face a challenging match against Dinnington/Sheffield Tigers.
As always, we are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors for their continued and valued support.
Our referee for today’s First XV fixture is David Downham from the [society], with Roger Stocker officiating the Third XV match. Please respect the decisions of both officials throughout the afternoon.
Enjoy your time at Selby RUFC and have a great afternoon.
Garry Adamson
Hon President
