RUGBY UNION – YORKSHIRE DIVISION 2

“SKIPTON FINISH THE YEAR IN TOP FORM”

SKIPTON 52 – RIPON 13

When Skipton visited Ripon in November and suffered a surprise defeat, which ended their six month unbeaten run in the league, some wondered whether their bubble had burst. Since then the Reds have been getting back into their stride and, on Saturday, surged to a comprehensive win after a particularly impressive first half when they notched up 40 points before the break.

Without doubt, man of the match was scrum half Grant Litt, who scored three tries on one of his rare outings for the Reds and he showed that he still had the same magic touch as when he played regularly in the team. Once again forwards warhorse Mark Davison showed that he is really enjoying his rugby following his return after last year’s sabbatical away from the game and Alex Naylor was in fine kicking form. Nevertheless, with six different names on the score sheet, this was a real team effort.

First half tries came from Grant Litt (3), Brydon Maiava, Lee Battle and Mark Davison and, with five successful conversion kicks by Alex Naylor, the half-time score had reached 40 for Skipton, with Ripon’s only score being a penalty kick giving them 3 points.

As so often happens when a team is well ahead, the second half started disappointingly with Skipton taking their foot off the accelerator. They also let themselves down with ill-discipline when, in quick succession, the Reds had two players sin-binned. During this period, Ripon took advantage and staged a comeback and quickly scored two tries, albeit the conversion kicks were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, the Reds have only themselves to blame for allowing a lead of 40 – 3 to quickly be eroded to 40 – 13.

Skipton then ‘got their act together’ again and further tries came, this time from Mark Battle and Alex Naylor and, with Alex Naylor kicking a further conversion, a full-time score of 52 – 13 gave the Reds’ players and supporters an early Christmas present.

Once again, Skipton’s team should taken note that whenever they open up the game, as they did in the first half, a big score accrues. An analysis of the season so far shows that tight scorelines have always been the result of playing a tight game, whereas when an open game has been played high scores result, which is how at the halfway stage Skipton have already notched up over 300 points.

With closest league rivals Yarnbury losing on Saturday, and Pocklington’s game being postponed, Skipton enter the New Year sitting comfortably in second place and maintaining their push for promotion, with an enviable record of having held either first or second place in the league throughout the season. Old Brods, currently unbeaten and in first place, look certain to claim one of the promotion places but, if they keep up their good work, Skipton will get the other.