YORKSHIRE DIVISION THREE MATCH

SKIPTON 49 – 18 WEST LEEDS

This was another excellent win for the Reds in a highly entertaining game in front of a large enthusiastic home crowd. .This win sees Skipton third in the league table.

Although several regulars were absent due to wedding commitments, the formula was the same whereby the strong pack more than matched the opposition, the half back pair of Chris Wibberley and captain Darren Howson feeding the ball out to the classy backs who entertained with a scoring spree again. 25–8 in the first half and 24–10 in the second half was a comprehensive beating of old rivals who have usually tested the Reds.

Skipton started strongly putting immediate pressure on West Leeds and were soon 3-0 up with an Alex Naylor penalty. Although this was cancelled out by a successful penalty kick by West Leeds, a further penalty in Skipton’s favour saw Naylor restore the lead to 6 –3.

By now Skipton’ forwards were putting constant pressure on the visitor’s line and prop James Riches, who had an excellent game in his first full 1st XV game since joining from Truro, managed the extra effort for a push over try. Alex Naylor converted and the score now 13-3. Within minutes further forward pressure enabled Matthew Boatwright to charge his way over for a try in the corner and, although the difficult conversion was missed, the Red’s were now 18-3 up.

The Red forwards had now secured a comfortable lead for Skipton and so play could open up to the backs. Speedy full back Richard Dillon soon zipped over for a try just before half time and Naylor converted. West Leeds only reply was another penalty kick. Half time score 25-6 to Skipton.

Upon the re-start the visitors did attempt a comeback and got a quick unconverted try.

However Skipton were now in full flight and centre Sean Kennedy produced the showpiece try of the afternoon. Starting in his own half, he chipped over a defender, re-caught the ball and sprinted half the field with winger Richard Curtin alongside. With only the full back to beat Kennedy drew his man, slipped the ball to Curtin and it was another try for Skipton. Naylor converted and Skipton were now 32–11 up.

Next it was the turn of full back Richard Dillon to get another try and once again Naylor converted and with a lead of 39–11 Skipton were invincible. A rare defensive lapse then let West Leeds score their only converted try of the day. Immediately Skipton hit back and with centre Alex Naylor not satisfied with his tally of points from the boot, he blitzed the visitors to add two quick tries to make his personal tally on the day 24 points.

Final score, a winning margin of 49–18 and more valuable league points collected.