Selby can look forward to a sixth consecutive year in Yorkshire One despite losing to play-off contenders Pontefract 22-17.

Selby had the worst possible start to the game after Pontefract mauled over their hooker Andy Smith for a converted try in the second minute.

Selby came back strongly and had a chance to reduce the arrears with a penalty but Selby full back Phil Raffan's kick missed.

Three minutes later, Selby winger Andy Gabel sailed over the try line to touch down but play was brought back for a forward pass.

Another penalty chance was spurned in the 11th minute but four minutes later, Selby got some points on the board when hard working flanker Paul Randell charged down a clearance kick by the Pontefract full back on the 15 metre line and won the race to touch down for the try - Raffan missed the conversion.

All Selby's good work, however, was wasted two minutes later when a clearance kick was gathered by Pontefract winger Simon Spears who managed to evade numerous Selby tackles and set up Richard Oates to touch down in the corner to make it 12-5.

Selby dragged themselves back into the game in the second minute of added-on-time at the end of the half when winger Martin Protheroe chipped over his opposite number and caught the ball to sprint over in the corner to put Selby back in the game at half-time trailing 12-10.

Selby started the second half full of determination and were rewarded with a McDonald penalty kick to the corner. Randell was taken over for his second try of the match from a rolling maul and Chris McDonald kicked the conversion - Selby's only one of the match - to put Selby 17-12 ahead.

Pontefract reduced their arrears in the 60th minute with a penalty. Selby had their best chance in the 68th minute when Gabel nearly went over but a mistake allowed Pontefract to take the ball up the touch line for stand off Dean to touch down under the posts. Dean kicked the conversion to edge Pontefract in front by 22-17.

Selby defended stoically, but despite the referee adding six minutes, Selby were unable to add to their score and lost 22-17.

Selby go to Redcar tomorrow in the second round of the Yorkshire Cup and can play without the threat of relegation hanging over them. They will be hoping to repeat their 14-11 win of four years ago when they went on to lose to Middlesbrough 16-15 in the semi-final.

Updated: 11:28 Monday, April 19, 2004