SKIPTON ‘A’ 7 – 24 BAILDON ‘A’

After great wins against Aireborough and Wharfedale in the past two weeks where the Reds’ defence was rock solid, this was a different affair. Despite a promising first five minutes with the Skipton pack to the fore which indicated this would be another good day, this turned out to be a match to forget for the home side who lacked passion, aggression and desire throughout.

Exceptions to this were number eight Vinny Murphy who tried his best to lead by example with some big tackles and the front row of Stuart Harling, Chris Sheehan and Tony Haworth who scrimmaged well all day, but in vain.

Baildon took the lead when, not for the last time, the away team scythed through a number of half-hearted tackles. In between, Skipton had some good moments. The versatile Carl Watts showed some good touches with both hand and foot at fly half and centres Steven Marks and Chris Wilkinson often threatened. The gap widened though when Baildon scored a second first half try. The young Baildon prop must have thought it was his Birthday and Christmas all rolled into one when he took a short tap penalty ten yards out, ran at the Reds forwards and nearly scored untouched. Half-time 0-12.

The second half started promisingly and the Reds, briefly, seemed a different side. After Sheehan and Murphy were held up short, scrum half Brian Brocksom touched down for a push over try. When Murphy added the conversion the gap was down to only five points and it looked like it was game on.

Unfortunately it was a false dawn. Skipton had a couple of further good chances but seemed too keen to kick the ball rather than trust themselves with the ball in hand. Baildon scored a decisive third try, aided by a dubious touch judge call from their young substitute and went on to add a fourth try when their centre decided the quickest route to the line was straight down the middle and he galloped 50 yards without being tackled for a great individual try.

4 November 2006 – Home

Team

15 Matthew Wilson 14 Matthew Cox 13 Chris Wilkinson

12 Steven Marks 11 Ben Davies            10 Carl Watts

9 Brian Brocksom 8 Vinny Murphy 7 James Wade

6 Chris Sheehan 5 Paul Shearer 4 Brad Bates

3 Stuart Harling 2 Dave Mitton 1 Tony Haworth

Sub

Ashley Lilley

Try

Brian Brocksom

Conversion

Vinny Murphy