SKIPTON A 12 – 17 THORNENSIANS

With seven cry-offs from the selected squad, five in the pack, this was always going to be difficult. Four colts were in the forwards and against street-wise opposition; possession was hard to come by. However Skipton stuck to the task, with good tackling to the fore, exchanges were even. Five minutes before half-time Skipton scored first. A welcome return for winger Ben Davies. On the stroke of half-time, the heavier, better organised Thorne pack, drove over from close range for a converted try to take the lead.

Straight after the break, Skipton were shunted off their own ball on their five-metre line for another converted try. Time for a change. Spectator Neil King was coerced into another comeback to add experience and know-how to the pack. Highlight of the game, quick line-out ball from inside their own half, quick passing along the line released full-back Jon Dillon. He timed his run and pass to perfection to put winger John Hughes in the clear. He sprinted clear, before off-loading inside to Dillon, who kept the move alive. He popped inside to the ever-supporting skipper Steve Marks who finished with aplomb under the posts. Sam Smith converted.

Then with four minutes to go, the match-defining moment. Skipton were awarded a very kickable penalty straight in front of the posts, 20 metres out. To the amazement of everyone, a tap penalty was taken, leading up a blind-alley, coming to nothing. Chance gone. Thorne drove up the field to finish off with a penalty goal with the last kick of the match.

Positives – hundred per cent effort from all, top tacklers Steve Marks and Jim Wade. Elusive running from John Hughes and Jon Dillon. Learner curve for the youngsters. One real quality move of the match, from the backs, showed what they are capable of.

Lessons to learn – with an ever-changing team, stick to basics, play to the strengths and when a gilt-edged opportunity comes – take it.

17 February

Team

15 Jon Dillon 14 Ben Davies             13 Mike Beech

12 Steve Marks 11 John Hughes 10 Sam Smith

9 Jon Kulik 8 Jim Wade 7 Callum Cameron

6 Frank Trueman 5 Ash Greaves 4 John Greystone

3 Chris Sheehan 2 Dave Mitton 1 Paul Shearer

Subs: Neil King, Peter Dutton

Tries: Ben Davies, Steve Marks

Conversion: Sam Smith