LOCAL RUGBY UNION MATCH REPORT

WEST LEEDS 48 – 41 SKIPTON SECONDS

Although the score line resembles a Barbarians match, or possibly a New Zealand vs. Wales match, it was in fact a close quarter game, and line breaks were few and far between. Skipton started strongly with Martin Murray off loading to Matthew Cox, who went over within five minutes. Cox added to it minutes later after more strong work in the centre.

From then on, the game became a circus of errors. Skipton were able to exert 20 minutes of pressure on West Leeds, score a couple of tries, only to concede two in thirty seconds. Skipton were worryingly weak whilst attempting off loads in their own half, as well as when kicking. These mistakes allowed a clinical West Leeds outfit to stay in close scoring range of Skipton throughout the first half, despite Skipton’s undoubted dominance.

Skipton were particularly strong in the forwards, where Paddy Murray, Richard Hill and Ben Hall were prominent, with all three breaking the line. Winger Ben Davies was only not to score after a Paddy Murray break led to a poorly executed two on one.

The second half saw West Leeds gain in confidence, and a charge down led to an early West Leeds score, and the home team took the lead for the first time. It is hard to say where Skipton lost the game. Their defence was strong, and their attack was formidable, and at fullback John Hughes was solid filling in for Chris Wilkinson. The only way West Leeds scored was through Skipton’s errors, and only by having the same 18 players available for more than one match at a time will help the young Skipton side progress as a team.

Skipton scored tries through Matthew Cox (2), Paddy Murray (2), Brian Brocksom, Martin Murray and Ash Greaves. With a minute left, the scores were level at 41-41, and West Leeds were given a penalty. After nominating a difficult kick into the strong wind from wide out, they were allowed to take a quick penalty and scored in the corner, with all the Skipton players under the post. The try stood, despite the Skipton protests, and West Leeds converted to give a seven point win.