LOCAL RUGBY UNION MATCH REPORT

SKIPTON THIRDS 5 – 38 OLD MODERNIANS THIRDS

This was a tough match for Skipton.  Old Modernians often fill their side with Leeds Carnegie players when the University has no game, and this was one of those weeks.

With the average age and weight of the Skipton side 10 years and 5 stone per man more than their youthful opponents, it was a no brainer that the Reds' tactics should've been to keep the ball in the forwards and play a tight game.  When they employed this gameplan, they were more than a match for Old Mods, with props Gary Marlow and Stuart Harling, and second rows Rob Morgan and Richard Tordoff supporting the ball carrier well.

Unfortunately, when Skipton tried to throw the ball wide, it was a big mistake and played straight into their speedy opponents' hands.  They scored four first half tries, which would've been more, if not for some last ditch tackling by full back and man of the match Matthew Cox.

Skipton got a try back in the second half through skipper Andy Whitley but the best side won, adding three second half tries to win 38-5.  Pete Collins deserves credit for a cameo scrum half appearance in the second half and Craig Bartlett worked hard all day in attack and defence.