LOCAL RUGBY UNION MATCH REPORT

AIREBOROUGH THIRDS 19 – 5 SKIPTON THIRDS

Despite losing last week's game at Keighley by one score, Skipton 3rds travelled to Aireborough buoyed by having beaten them three times last season.

Missing a couple of key players, Skipton started well with Sean Everett and Matt Walker - the latter playing his first ever match in the centre - making some powerful runs and setting the example to their teammates with some excellent tackling.  The home side used the slope in the first half to their advantage, scoring two tries, but the Reds were always in the match and fancied their chances when they began the second half only 12-0 down.

After going close through a fantastic solo run from winger Matt Hewitt, the lead was narrowed when hooker and man of the match Harry Pointon scored a deserved try, his second in three games.  Adam Clarke narrowly missed the conversion from the touchline.  Sadly, despite a lot of possession, Skipton couldn't get another score and lost by three tries to one. Other strong performances came from props Stuart Harling and Rob Morgan and second row Alex Farquhar.