YORKSHIRE DIVISION THREE MATCH

AIREBOROUGH 12 – 19 SKIPTON

Skipton’s winning run continues and they collected two more league points in a tough contest at Nunroyd Park.

Although Skipton were far the better side, the sub standard undulating pitch suited the style of play of the home side and inhibited any chance of classy play.

Nevertheless the Red’s game plan again brought them a well earned victory but Aireborough were a tough mature side and the outcome was not certain until the final whistle.

Although Skipton were on the attack right from the start, it was the host’s full back who got the first score with an unconverted try against the run of play.

Within a minute the Reds hit back, firstly with a well taken penalty kick from Alex Naylor. Then a speedy move by the backs saw winger Jon Dillon sprint over in the corner and although the conversion was an impossible kick Skipton were now 8 – 5 up and they were then always in the lead.

Skipton monopolised play for the remainder of the first half but aggressive Aireborough defence held the Reds out until flanker Iain Sneddon supported by the entire pack pushed over the line and although the conversion was elusive Skipton were 13 – 5 up at half time.

Upon the re-start, Alex Naylor got another penalty for the Reds and 16 – 5 was beginning to look comfortable until a quick opportunist try by Aireborough duly converted narrowed the score to 16 – 12 and the tension returned.

Skipton then sensibly kept the ball tight and for long periods the Red pack camped on the home line with Kiwis Gavin Petterd and Moa Meki both prominent constantly battering the home defence. Adam Oldfield looked to have scored at one stage but a knock on was the verdict.

A feature throughout the second half was that whenever the ball did go back, scrum half Chris Wibberley varied the flow to outwit the opposition and the Skipton backs were ready with impeccable ball handling and speed and centre Sean Kennedy was particularly prominent catching and chipping forward.

However the stalemate without score continued for most of this half until Alex Naylor stroked over another penalty kick and at 19 – 12 Skipton had another win in the bag.

Other results in the league favoured Skipton who are now one of three teams at the top of the league table pulling away from the others.