DESPITE conceding six tries to two at Darlington, Selby were always in contention in the final game before the start of next week's Yorkshire One season.

Selby went down 38-14 but Sam Longthorpe, Rich Topping and Mark Crowther returning to competitive rugby, gave the front row a much more solid look.

Darlington made the early running and looked a slick outfit, and the two division gap between the sides appeared to be too wide a gulf for Selby to bridge.

But it was Selby who scored first with excellent teamwork resulting in Topping making the touchdown, Ray Adamson converting.

Darlington scored almost immediately in response, their forwards driving the ball and making room for their full-back to stroll in and make an easy conversion. A further similar try followed.

Selby then had their best period of the match and it was no surprise when they took the lead with Andy Bennett's converted try. But Darlington's lightning quick winger intercepted and raced the length of the field to close the first half at 19-14.

Darlington increased their lead with two early tries but the collapse was halted and the defence held firm to the final minute when the scoring was completed with the Darlington prop bullocking over.

Updated: 11:50 Tuesday, September 04, 2001