BAILDON A 3 SKIPTON A 8

A huge performance from the forwards laid the foundations for this hard-fought victory. A close game got off to a good start for the visitors, from a five-metre attacking scrum, kiwi Shane at no.8 picked up, drove, off-loaded to Chris Wilkinson who put Matt Rhodes in the corner. Baildon came into the game, applied some pressure, which resulted in a penalty goal to close the gap. Half-time – Baildon 3 Skipton 5

Second-half, wind behind them, but playing up the slope, Skipton kept driving ball through the forwards. Again, neither side really got on top. A booming 40-metre penalty from Jack Firth landing in Shipley town centre, putting Skipton further in front. This was the last of the scoring. Good to start 2007 with a victory.

Skipton deserved to win, winning 70% possession and water-tight defence. They were on top in the scrums, Baildon running backwards at times. Jon Firth, Chris Sheehan and Brad Bates applying the squeeze. Line-outs, never lost their own ball, Ash Greaves stole plenty from the opposition. Loose play, Bob Binns, kiwi Shane and Richard Hill rampaged relentlessly to establish position all game.

A backline, appearing together for the first time, tackled superbly, keeping dangerous backs at bay. Their try-line never looked in danger. They also put together some good moves later in the game with slick handling. Again, plenty of youth in the side, they will get better and better.

Team

15 Chris Wilkinson

14 Matt Rhodes

13 Jon Kulik

12 James Wade

11 Jack Firth

10 Brian Brocksom

9 Malc Dutton

8 Shane Kiwi

7 Callum Cameron

6 Bob Binns

5 Richard Hill

4 Ash Greaves

3 Brad Bates

2 Chris Sheehan

1 Jon Firth

Subs

John Greystone Paddy Murray John Hughes

Tries

Matt Rhodes

Penalty

Jack Firth