SKIPTON WIN
TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH
This
game lived up to expectation – a large partisan crowd of home spectators, a
large contingent of travelling supporters to urge on the Reds, a game played at
a frenetic pace throughout and the lead changing hands three times.
Skipton
came away with the valuable points to cement their position at the top of the
table and were lucky to come away injury free in a game in which there were
many stoppages and penalties awarded for over- zealous play in the tense
atmosphere.
Skipton’s
forward pack was again awesome, living up to their reputation as the strongest
and fittest in the league. They were constantly driven on and encouraged by the
directions coming from scrum-half Adam Oldfield. Whilst every man played his
part, the Willsher brothers were particularly prominent, Richard for sheer grit
and determination and Malcolm for his impeccable line out jumping.
The
backs were always keen and looking for opportunities. Hamish Munro was
outstanding both in attack and defence showing strength and pace which belies
the fact that he is still young enough to play Colts rugby as well as the 1st
team game.
The
opening period of the game saw the hosts looking more tense and anxious than
the visitors, possibly because Skipton immediately showed a calm confident
attitude which prevailed even when play became scrappy.
After twenty minutes the first score came
when, after the forwards surged towards the line, the ball came out. Oldfield
perfectly timed his pass to winger Richard Curtin who had read the situation so
well by sprinting forward and there was no stopping this fast strong winger in
full flight. Conversion impossible from
the corner angle but the Reds was 5-0 up.
However,
the next score saw Thornensians take the lead with an opportunist try. A grub
kick forward by the attacking Skipton players hit a divot and bounced into the
hands of the defending centre that effectively intercepted and then ran through
for a try which was converted. This was a warning sign that the Thornensians
threat lay in their quick thinking backs and this alerted the Reds to the need
for tight defence as well as attack.
Just
before half time Skipton were back in the lead. After opening up wide, winger
Hamish Munro streaked down the field, skilfully avoiding going into touch he
burst past several defenders to touch down in the corner. Another impossible
conversion but Skipton back in the lead 10-7 at half time.
Early
in the second half there was a blow for Skipton when the same Thornensians
centre as before, scored again and with a good conversion they were now back in
the lead 14-10.
The
last twenty minutes were nail biting. Playing mainly in the Thornensians half,
Skipton’s forwards absolutely dominated play by driving forward time and time
again towards the line with the backs poised ready for action. In particular,
Munro, Curtin and Richard Dillon were all making fast bursting runs whenever
the ball came out but no score was forthcoming.
Fortunately, the hosts' vigour in defence
meant they were conceding penalties and the boot of Alex Naylor pulled the Reds
back to a tense 13-14 scoreline and then clinched it with a further penalty and
a jubilant Skipton team had won with a final score of 16-14.
Full
marks Skipton for 100% effort which showed superb fitness and for playing a
calm confident skilful game in a tense tough atmosphere.
I