Skipton storm to success at Colne Tens Tournament

 

Skipton came away with the winner’s trophy from their visit to the Colne Tens on Saturday, being the only team to win every match. 

 

The Reds gave a stunning performance.  En route they beat Bury 37 – 0, local rivals North Ribblesdale 17 – 7, Rossendale 31 – 10, West Craven Warriors 29 – 5 and Colne & Nelson 17 – 12.

 

Helping Skipton to amass 131 points to only 34 conceded was top scorer Alex Naylor, closely followed by Steven Marks, Sean Kennedy and Hamish Munro, with six other players also getting on the score sheet.

 

The result was particularly pleasing for new Director of Rugby David Stephens and was testimony to the high level of training now being seen at the Skipton camp.   Fitness levels were noticeably high due to the efforts of Fitness Coach Paul Lacy. 

 

This Saturday (19 August) Skipton take a 1st XV squad of 25 players for a pre-season friendly game at Wigan, who are in Lancs/Cheshire League 1.

 

With all last year’s 1st XV squad available this season and a number of talented youngsters coming up from the Development Squad, competition for places will be keen. 

 

Meanwhile, there is excitement at Skipton at the prospect of two Kiwi forwards arriving shortly from North Harbour Club, Glenfield, with whom Skipton has links.  Utility forward Gavin Petterd arrives today and will be available for the start of the season on 2 September.  He will be joined by his fellow team-mate Moa Meki, who will be registered in time for the second league game on 16 September.

 

The addition of two New Zealand players to the existing talent displayed at the Colne Tens on Saturday gives Skipton the prospect of a good season ahead.