SKIPTON 3 – 17 THORNENSIANS
This result
was disappointing for the Reds.
Fielding
the same confident side that performed so well last week, they had the ability
for success but two mistakes in the first half enabled the visitors to score
two converted tries and win.
The second
half, played without score, was a better reflection of how evenly matched the
teams were and although Skipton always looked capable of pulling back the
deficit, luck was not with them this week.
Once again
the Red’s forward pack was dominant throughout the game. Hooker Gavin Petterd
particularly impressed. Props Moa Meki and Phil Crossman were again strong and
reliable and when Peter Jenkinson and later James Riches were rotated with them
the solidity still remained. The Willsher brothers took more than their share
of the ball as the key jumpers. Flankers
Adam Oldfield and Iain Sneddon again excelled in both defence and attack.
However, in
the first half, Skipton’s backs took time to get into gear and during this
early period too many opportunities were offered to the lively Thornensians
team particularly when clearance kicking failed to find touch. Visiting centre
Wayne Green took advantage of this and did the damage with two opportunist
tries, both converted. A successful penalty kick from each side (Skipton’s by
Darren Howson) made the half time score 3 – 17.
In the
second half, the Reds were the better team and always looked threatening but
despite powerful bursts from centres Richard Curtin and George Smithson and
speedy runs by twin brothers Jon and Richard Dillon on each wing, they were
held back by a the Thornensians defence. When the ball was kept tight Skipton’s
strong pack pushed towards the line and made good ground but a try remained elusive. The half time score of 3 – 17 prevailed at
the final whistle.
Overall
this was another good display by Skipton but failing to collect the points in
front of a large home crowd was a disappointment to players and supporters
alike Nevertheless, Thornensians are unbeaten in the league this season and the
Reds will take comfort from having pushed them close in the second half.