Emily Gallivan was a tower of strength as the Senior Beasts demonstrated superb team spirit to make light of depleted numbers to secure a 28-24 victory over Selby.

Sandal made a promising start but were repeatedly thwarted by the home side’s strong defence which finally cracked when full-back Maisie Palmer fielded a clearance kick deep inside her own half and released her captain Alana Bainbridge on a long-distance try-scoring run.

Evie Addy converted and was again on target when Silverwood fielded the restart and scorched past a clutch of startled Selby players to grab a try and help open a 14-0 advantage.

Despite taking the ball into contact far too often, Sandal always threatened danger each time they worked possession to an eager back division.

However, Selby held firm and after denying Ella Greensmith, Silverwood and Phoebe Evans with try-saving tackles the hosts narrowed the gap with an unconverted try from a well-placed chip kick.

Sandal hit back through Addy, who barged over the line from close range and converted her own try, but just before the interval Selby struck again from another tactical kick with the converted try leaving them trailing 21-12 at the break.

The loss of Alana with a head injury put Sandal on the back foot in the second half, especially in the early stages when Selby applied pressure and were rewarded with an unconverted try.

Inspired by the industry of forwards Gallivan, Ella Dews and Ellie Haywood, Sandal rallied and hit back with a decisive try from Dews, converted by Addy, to make it 28-17.

Selby added a late converted try to set up a tense finish but Sandal held firm to secure the win their effort and character deserved.