YORKSHIRE DIVISION THREE MATCH

SKIPTON 37 – 17 BAILDON

SKIPTON extended their unbeaten run further with this comfortable win over Baildon in the league.

Although Baildon’s ‘combative’ style of play tended to stifle the entertainment, when Skipton were able to run the ball their skill and flair easily outplayed the opposition.

The first twenty minutes were scoreless but then the Red’s backs saw a chance to open up and in the next twenty minutes amassed 20 points. A move generated by Sean Kennedy and Darren Howson saw Alex Naylor weave over for a try and Skipton were 5 –0 up and from then were always in the lead. Conversion missed. Almost immediately the Reds tried another – this time flanker Iain Sneddon started it, again Kennedy was there to release it to Naylor but on this occasion the last defender just caught him.

Darren Howson, in the kicking role this week, got a penalty. Then another classy run involving Kennedy, out to Howson who drew the last defender, lobbed the ball to Adam Oldfield and another try for the Reds saw them 13-0 up and with Howson converting 15-0 up. Almost immediately another run by the Skipton backs saw full back Jon Dillon come into the line and zip through for a try in the corner. Impossible angle for a conversion.

Although Baildon’s forwards had managed one push over try, Skipton’s half time lead of 20-5 was very comfortable and well deserved.

Although the backs were getting the glory, mention must be made of the Reds forwards who were as strong as ever and stuck manfully to the task despite constant battering by the tough opposition who, it has to be said, deserved much more referee attention than was the case albeit yellow cards did appear in the second half. Skipton’s front row of Meki, Petterd and Crossman stood out with Moa Meki particularly enjoying the fray and flanker Iain Sneddon was as lively as ever.

Same pattern in the second half. Heavy combative stuff from Baildon but skill from the Reds when able to open up. Skipton brought on all replacements in the second half to save those who had already taken knocks but the strength of the squad allows the luxury of rotation rather then replacement these days.

Next to score was Alex Naylor again who touched down after a big sweeping run. Then after a surge of forwards pressure to set up the right position, winger Richard Curtin forced over and Howson converted.

Midway through the last quarter Baildon had found new energy and the Reds leaked two tries. But the finale was Skipton’s with another long run. Started by Iain Sneddon from the forwards, the ball ended up with winger Mike Beech who was playing his 250^th league game for the Reds who sprinted for the line and then, with the touchline threatening it was Richard Curtin who finished off to give Skipton a 37-17 victory.