Skipton 2nd XV 24 – 7 North Ribblesdale 2nd XV

As always when these sides meet there are a lot of old friendships, tinged with local rivalry, which lift the stakes of even a friendly such as this.

The make up of the two sides could not have been more different – Skipton with a very young side and Ribb full of experience. First blood went with the youth when after ten minutes Lee Shaw beat the defence to score a try which was duly converted by Ash Greaves.

The score remained this way until just before half time when Ribb replied with a converted try of their own. By this time Skipton had lost both props, Paul Shearer and Alex Farquhar to ankle injuries, and the scrums had to be depowered, circumstances which didn't really suit either team.

However, the fitness of the Skipton side began to show and, after a twenty metre sprint by Paddy Murray, who also had to go off injured, and his replacement John Grayston, who put in his best performance at senior level yet, Shaw went in for his second try. Then with Andy Porter at fly half beginning to conduct the backs like an orchestra, Shaw went on to achieve a four try haul making seven for him in his last three games, the final one being converted from  the touchline by Jonny Kulik.

The effort on a warm day from both sides created a fantastic game but Skipton and Shaw in particular were well worthy of the result.