New Director of Rugby at Skipton
29 May 2006
David Stephens has been appointed Director of Rugby. He brings a wealth of experience to the job having been a player of considerable note in his younger days and latterly a sports teacher specialising in rugby coaching.
Skipton celebrates 2005-2006 successes
6 May 2006
Skipton announced this season's award winners in a function at the clubhouse last night. 1st XV captain Sam Boatwright won 1st XV Player of the Year, whilst fly half and leading pointscorer Alex Naylor was rewarded for a great first full season with Under 25 Player of the Year.
1st XV Player of the Year - Sam Boatwright
U25 Player of the Year - Alex Naylor
2nd XV Player of the Year - Rick Willsher
3rd XV Player of the Year - Matt Hewitt
Team of the Year - 2nd XV
Junior Team of the Year - U16's
Clubman of the Year - Warren Burnett
Contribution to Club Development - John Hughes Senior
Contribution to Rugby Development - Andy Smith
Contribution to Junior Rugby - Bob BinnsSkipton end season in seventh place
23 April 2006
Skipton were defeated 39-5 at home to the league champions Heath in the final game of the season yesterday. The Reds went 20-0 down early on but responded admirably to keep the visitors at bay. The Reds only points came from 17 year old winger Chris Wilkinson who scored his third try in two games.
Click here to read the full match report
The result and Northallerton's win at Old Modernians means Skipton end the season in seventh place, which is below where they hoped to finish at the start of the season but well clear of relegation - which went to Castleford and Old Modernians. At the top, Heath had already had the title sewn up but, going into the final weekend, both York RI and Roundhegians could've joined them. However, defeat for Roundhegians at fourth place Moortown and victory for York RI at fifth place Thornensians saw them seal the second promotion place.
Click here to see the latest league table
Fly half Alex Naylor missed the conversation but ended the season as the 1st XV leading points scorer with 62 - comparised of 4 tries, 6 conversions and 10 penalties. Darren Howson was narrowly behind with 59 points - 2 tries, 11 conversions and 9 penalties. The leading try scorers was George Smithson with 6, followed by Alex Naylor and Richard Dillon who scored 4 and Alex Davies, Sean Kennedy and Chris Wilkinson, who each got over the line 3 times. The overall record for the 1st XV was played 24, won 9 and lost 15, points scored 306, points against 444.
Click here to see the full statistics from the 2005-2006 season
Mike Beech's 10 1st XV appearances this season took his Skipton career total to an enviable 88 tries in 242 matches since he joined the club in 1996-1997. Of the other players still playing, next is Adam Oldfield with 191 1st XV appearances (debut 1995-1996, 46 tries, 179 conversions, 166 penalties and 4 drop goals), followed closely behind by Darren Howson with 184 appearances (debut 1995-1996, 24 tries, 109 conversions and 70 penalties). Carl Watts added 4 appearances this term to take his total to 132 since his debut in 1990-1991.
Click here to see the career record of all the 2005-2006 1st XV players
Mike Beech's tally of 242 matches for the Skipton 1st XV can only put him in sixth place overall though. The most apparances for Skipton (since league rugby began in 1987-1988) is Andy Phillip with 354, followed by Bob Birks 318, Bill Nicholson 261, Adam Winthrop 253 and Peter Shearer 250.
Skipton win away for first time since September
9 April 2006
Skipton won 17-13 at Northallerton yesterday to complete the double of their rivals and also capture their first away win since the opening day of the season when they won at Roundhegians.
Skipton's points came from two tries from young winger Chris Wilkinson and one from fly half Alex Naylor, who added a conversion to become the highest points scorer for the 1st XV this season.
Click here to read the full match report
The victory moves the Reds up to sixth, the first time they have been in the top half of the table since October. They conclude the season with a home game against Heath, whose victory last week sealed promotion and the league title.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton slip to defeat but not without a fight
25 March 2006
Skipton were beaten at Sandylands by promotion challenging Roundhegians who gained revenge for Skipton's win at their home ground on the first day of the season. The Reds can take heart from their resiliant performance and led at half time 13-10 thanks to the try of the match - from winger Steven Marks who finished off a great break from skipper Sam Boatwright, who was celebrating his 50th consecutive appearance since joining the club. Other points came from the trusty boot of fly half Alex Naylor who converted Marks' try and added two penalties.
Click here to read the full match report
Skipton now have a week off with their next game away at Northallerton on Saturday 8 April.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton go seventh after Wath win
19 March 2006
Skipton recorded their first win since defeating Baildon on 21 January, with a well deserved 25-7 victory over Wath On Dearne. Tries from Matt Boatwright (his first of the season), two from Sean Kennedy and one from Christian Wibberley saw the Reds avenge the 20-15 loss at Wath back in September. The other points came from the boot of fly half Alex Naylor.
Click here to read the full match report
Skipton are now in seventh place and are now only one point behind sixth place Wath as they fight to record a top half finish. Skipton's next game is also at home, to Roundhegians on 25 March.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton go down at Stocksbridge
12 March 2006
In a game played in atrocious conditions, Skipton went doen at Stocksbridge 13-6, with a controversial disallowed Alex Naylor try the main talking point. Skipton's only points came from Naylor (two penalties) as their woeful away record continued.
Click here to read the full match report
Skipton remain in eighth place but now have Stocksbridge (same points) and Baildon (one point behind with a game in hand) breathing down their necks. York RI remain top (30 points from 19 games) ahead of Heath (29 points from 18 games) and Roundhegians (27 points from 19 games).
Skipton's next game is home to sixth place Wath On Dearne in the league next weekend.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton lose at lowly Castleford
20 February 2006
Depleted by injuries to half a dozen first team regulars, Skipton were beaten 26-10 away at bottom of the table Castleford who avenged a 41-3 defeat at Sandylands in October. Skipton's points came from Steven Marks, who scored his first try of the season in only his second start this campaign, and Alex Naylor, who added a conversion and a penalty.
Click here to read the full match report
Skipton remain in eighth place but are now only one point clear of ninth place Baildon. It is tight at the top too, as the top two York RI and Roundhegians both lost. York are top with 26 points, followed by Roundhegians and Heath (who won away at Roundhegians) on 25 and then Thornensians on 23 and Moortown on 22. Skipton's next game is away at Scarborough in their rearranged Yorkshire Shield match.
Click here to see the latest league table
Reds slip to home defeat
13 February 2006
After six league wins out of seven at home, Skipton slipped to a 29-13 defeat against Moortown, who completed the double this season over the Sandylands side. The Reds were not helped by a number of absentees and an early injury to the returning George Smithson. Skipton's only try was a penalty try, which fly half Alex Naylor converted as well as adding two penalties.Click here to read the full match report
Skipton remain in eighth place and travel to bottom side Castleford next weekend looking for a morale boosting victory and a good end to the season.
Click here to see the latest league table
Injuries rock Reds
30 January 2006
After two consecutive league wins, Skipton's faint promotion hopes suffered a massive blow with defeat at Old Modernians. Leading 7-3 at the interval, Skipton quickly lost three key players - Darren Howson (ankle), Adam Oldfield (elbow) and Richard Curtin (hamstring) as they limped to a 32-7 defeat. The Reds remain in eighth place, one point behind seventh place Wath On Dearne.Click here to read the full match report
At the top, leaders York RI won 36-9 at bottom placed Castleford to go one point clear of Roundhegians, who drew 12-12 at lowly Baildon. Heath remain third with a 11-9 win at Wath and fourth place Thornensians are now four points off the second promotion place after a 16-0 defeat at Moortown, who move to fifth and one point behind them. In the day's other result, ninth place Stocksbridge recorded a 18-17 victory at home to Northallerton.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton now have a free week before their next league game at home to Moortown on Saturday 11 February.
Reds make it two out of two against local rivals
22 January 2006
Skipton made it two out of two with a 15-7 win against local rivals Baildon. The game saw both sides awarded a penalty try, Baildon's coming late on when Skipton held a 12-0 lead and looked to be easing to victory. Skipton's other points came from an Alex Naylor try, his second in two games, a Darren Howson conversion and an Adam Oldfield penalty which clinched the two points in the last minute. To cap a great day, the 2nd XV won 53-7 away to Baildon 2nd XV.Click here to read the full match report
Despite the win, the Reds remain in eighth place but they are now only one point behind joint sixth place sides Northallerton and Wath On Dearne, who played each other (Northallerton winning 26-14). In other results, the top four were all at home and all predictably won: Roundhegians 50-0 vs Stocksbridge, York RI 22-14 vs Moortown, Heath 34-8 vs Castleford and Thornensians 26-5 vs Old Modernians.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton will hope to make it three out of three next week when they are away to Old Modernians.
Reds start 2006 with two points
8 January 2006
Skipton began the new year in ideal fashion, with a 10-6 defeat of second place Thornensians. On the anniversary of the 74-0 demolition last year, this was a much closer affair but the two points were all that mattered. Skipton's points came from an Alex Naylor try and a penalty and conversion from Darren Howson.Click here to read the full match report
Despite the win, the Reds remain in eighth place but they have narrowed the gap to the second promotion slot to only six points. Bizarrely Skipton's was the only home win this week with, in the other matches, York RI remained top with a 21-8 win at Old Modernians, Stocksbridge scored a surprise 22-20 win at Baildon, Castleford lost 22-15 at home to Northallerton, Heath won a low-scoring game 3-0 at Moortown and Roundhegians won 35-11 at Wath On Dearne.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton 1st XV have a week off next week and return on 21 January against local rivals Baildon. There is however a 2nd XV game on the main pitch on 14 January against Ilkley so please come down and support the lads!
Reds end year in defeat
19 December 2005
After beginning 2005 with a resounding 74-0 home win against Thornensians, Skipton ended the year in disappointing fashion with a 20-0 defeat at top of the table York RI.Click here to read the full match report
The result leaves the Reds in eighth place and seven points behind the second promotion place. In the only other league game this weekend, Thornensians went second after a 31-10 victory over Baildon. The defeat was Baildon's eighth of the season, with the side proving a shadow of that which so nearly won promotion last season.
Click here to see the latest league table
Skipton next game after the festive break is like last year, at home to Thornensians on Saturday 7 January 2006.
Reds back to winning ways
12 December 2005
Two penalties from centre Darren Howson clinched a vital win for Skipton to end a run of four successive defeats. The result leaves the Reds still in eighth place but now only one point behind seventh place Northallerton, with their final game before Christmas away at York RI, who sneaked an 8-7 victory at Sandylands last month.Click here to read the full match report
Click here to see the latest league table
Reds lose at leaders but restore some pride
5 December 2005
Despite losing again, this time at leaders Heath, Skipton came away with some pride restored, following a battling performance at West Vale. Debutant 17-year old full back Chris Wilkinson was Skipton's man of the match as they went down 24-3 with all of the home side's points coming from centre Ryan Piper.Click here to read the full match report
The defeat leaves Skipton in eighth place, now sixpoints away from the promotion places, with their next game at home to mid-table Northallerton, who won 18-0 at home to Old Modernians.
Click here to see the latest league table
In other results, Roundhegians lost 26-24 in a thriller at home to Moortown which saw them slip to second. In the basement clash, Stocksbridge won only their second game of the season, crushing doomed Castleford 34-0. Baildon went down 33-14 at Wath On Dearne and, in another close game, York RI pipped Thornensians by 20-19.
Reds lose unbeaten home record
26 November 2005
Following two successive away defeats, Skipton's 100% home form deserted them when, despite having the lions share of the possession, the Reds lost 8-7 at home to York RI.Poor away form continues
29 October 2005
Despite taking an early lead through a try from fly half Adam Oldfield and enjoying the majority of the possession, Skipton's poor recent away form continued as they slipped to a 21-16 defeat at local rivals Baildon. Skipton's other points came from a Richard Dillon try - his fourth of the season - and two Darren Howsen penalties.Heath remain top of Yorkshire Three on points difference after their 17-0 win at struggling Castleford. In other results, Thornensians were victorious 13-0 at Old Modernians, Moortown won 16-3 against York RI, Roundhegians came from behind to defeat Stocksbridge 27-12 and, in the game of the day, a penalty kick in the final five minutes helped Wath On Dearne to a thrilling 22-0 win over Northallerton.
Skipton wing to victory and fourth in the table
22 October 2005
Both Skipton wingers, Richard Dillon and Alex Davies, ran in tries as the Reds overcame a spirited Old Modernians defence to win 21-7 and move up to fourth in the table, only one point behind the leaders.Adam Oldfield landed two drop goals with Darren Howson kicking a penalty and a conversion to ease Skipton to their fourth league victory of the season.
In other results, leaders Heath beat second placed Wath 25-3, Thornensians moved up to second place with a 27-15 victory over Moortown, Roundhegians crushed Baildon 36-0, York RI ran out 38-0 victors against Castleford and Northallerton left Stocksbridge marooned pointless to the bottom of the team, winning 23-3.
Smithson brace helps Reds back to winning ways
2 October 2005
Skipton bounced back to winning ways and to within only a point of top spot with a convincing 41-3 defeat of Castleford, who by this performance are in for a long hard season.Two of Skipton's tries came from centre George Smithson (who now has six in four games), fly half Sean Kennedy (his first for the club), wingers Alex Davies, Richard Dillon and Paul Lacy, and centre Darren Howson, with Adam Oldfield, deputising at scrum half for the suspended Christian Wibberley, adding three conversions.
Leaders Wath could only manage a 5-5 draw in their game at Thornensians meaning their lead at the top is down to only one point. In other results, Roundhegians won 14-6 at Heath, Baildon's troubles continued as they lost 15-3 at Northallerton, Old Modernians beat Moortown 15-5 and York RI defeated Stocksbridge 27-6.
Skipton's next league fixture is away to Moortown, Saturday 8 October.
New signings boost Skipton
29 September 2005
Skipton have strengthened their already strong senior squad with the signing of two players, one a familiar face. The new players are:Adam Oldfield - a protégé of Skipton and the club's youngest ever 1st XV captain, Adam has now returned to the Reds after two years of national league rugby at Wharfedale. His versatility at being able to play most back positions is a big boost.
Alex Davies - Alex is from the Midlands where he represented Staffordshire at Junior County level. A fast, speedy back, he is happy to train and play at Skipton despite being based in Lancaster at university. His brother Charlie has also signed for the club and is currently playing in the 2nd XV.
Reds lose 100% league record
27 September 2005
Skipton lost their 100% league record at newly promoted fellow pacesetters Wath On Dearne in agonising fashion, going down 20-15. Having suffered the massive blow of early sending off, tries from winger George Smithson and fly half Adam Oldfield had got the Reds back on terms. With the match evenly poised in the closing stages at 15-15, Wath snatched a last gasp winning try which preserved their perfect start to the season.This result pushes Skipton down to third, with four points out of six, behind Wath (maximum points) and Heath (five points), ahead of their next game at home to Castleford on Saturday 1 October.
Twickenham dream over for Skipton
19 September 2005
Skipton’s Twickenham hopes are over for another season after they were defeated 23-11 by Old Brodleians in the first round of the Powergen National Vase.
The Reds certainly didn’t fear facing opponents from a league above them and led 5-3 just before the break, thanks to a try from centre Alex Davies on his debut. Full back Alex Naylor also added two penalties but the Yorkshire Two side hit back in the second half with tries from Stuart Shaw and Luke Scrimshaw, with skipper Adam Standeven kicking 13 points to clinch victory.
The Yorkshire Three sides progressing to Round Two were Wath On Dearne (who won 22-3 at Adwick le Street), Heath (who won 24-5 at Doncaster Phoenix), Roundhegians (who won 40-12 at Hornsea), Moortown (who won 17-0 at fellow Yorkshire Three side Old Modernians), Northallerton (who beat Yarm 19-8) and York RI (who beat Whitby 20-17).
Two out of two for the Reds
12 September 2005
Despite stubborn defence from Stocksbridge, Skipton’s backs proved too strong and they ran out 29-3 winners to continue their fine start to the season. Tries came from George Smithson (two), Darren Howson, Richard Dillon and Matthew Cox, with Howson adding two conversions.
Two other sides have 100% records so far – Wath On Dearne, who won 20-0 at Old Modernians, and Heath, whose 24-9 win over Baildon, sees them hold first place from Skipton on points difference. In other results, York RI beat Northallerton 8-3, Moortown defeated Castleford 11-0 and Roundhegians’ poor start continued, losing 20-18 at Thornensians.
Reds kick off new campaign with great away win
5 September 2005
Tries from Grant Litt and George Smithson, a penalty try and three conversions and a penalty from Darren Howson earned a Skipton a 24-18 win at Roundhegians. The result was all the more satisfying as Skipton begun last season with a defeat at the same venue. The Reds now take on Stocksbridge at home on Saturday 10 September, with the South Yorkshire side smarting from a 13-7 defeat at home to Yorkshire Three newcomers Old Modernians.
In other results, Baildon, who just missed out on promotion last season, got off to a winning start, beating relegated Castleford 11-0. After taking an early lead, Thornensians were beaten 10-3 at Northallerton. Wath on Dearne marked their promotion back to Yorkshire Three with a 21-14 win over Moortown and Heath won 29-10 at York RI.
Reds name new captain and bolster ranks
July 2005
Flanker Sam Boatwright has been named as Skipton's new captain and has already played an important part in the Reds' recruitment plans as they bid for promotion to Yorkshire Two next season.
The 23-year old, who joined the Sandylands outfit last year, already has leadership experience, having captained his university first team in Liverpool. He also impressed when he stood in as captain of the Reds for a spell last season due to injuries to Gareth Hindle and Darren Howson.
His time at university saw him play for Liverpool St Helens and Boatwright has persuaded two of their players to sign for Skipton for the campaign ahead. Hooker Chris Sheehan and scrum half Christian Wibberley both featured for Liverpool St Helens last season in North Division One. Sheehan is from London, but is coming to work in Skipton, while Wibberley is from Oldham.
Other recruits for the season include flanker Anthony Murphy - another friend of Boatwright's from Manchester - and centre Steve Dawson, who is a school teacher from Fleetwood who has captained Lancaster University. Rugby chairman Carl Watts and coach Adam Oldfield have also been on the look out for an overseas player during their trip to watch the Lions in New Zealand.
Kiwi Grant Litt - a key player for Skipton over the last two seasons - is hoping to extend his visa to stay in England. If his application is successful, it is unclear at this stage whether he will remain at Sandylands, although he is back in training with Skipton. His brother Dave, who also joined Skipton last season, is currently playing rugby back in New Zealand.
A couple of old faces have returned for pre-season training, which is taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and has begun with a great turnout. Utility back Sean Kennedy and scrum half Sean Barraclough are fit again having recovered from bad knee and arm injuries respectively.
Paul Lacy - a former physical training instructor in the forces - is in charge of ensuring the squad is fit and raring to go come the start of the season, but the prolific winger is unlikely to play a full part on the field this season due to work commitments. The season begins on September 3 when Skipton visit Roundhegians, whilst the first home game follows the week after against Stocksbridge, bizarrely the same two fixtures the Reds opened with last year.
And the winner is.......
May 2005
Skipton RFC announced their 2004 - 2005 award winners at its annual dinner in May. Kiwi Grant Litt received the Player of the Year award, following his fantastic performances for the club this season. Flanker Duncan Roberts was named most improved player (under 25) for his progress throughout the season.
The full list of award winners is:-
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Grant Litt
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER UNDER 25 - Duncan Roberts
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR - John Hughes Senior
SECOND XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Tony Haworth
THIRD XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Sean Wiseman
SENIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR - 2nd XV
JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR - Under 10s
Harry Crabtree Awards:-
CONTRIBUTION TO CLUB DEVELOPMENT- David Armitage
CONTRIBUTION TO RUGBY DEVELOPMENT- Carl Watts
JUNIOR RUGBY DEVELOPMENT - Tracy Murray
Last gasp Reds dash Roundhegians' promotion hopes
April 2005
A hat-trick in the final ten minutes by substitute Paul Lacy; gave Skipton a deserved but highly unlikely victory, which put a serious spanner in the works of Roundhegians' promotion chances. Leading 24-10 at half-time and 31-15 with 68 minutes played, the Leeds side must have thought they were heading for a victory which would keep their top two finish alive, but they had not reckoned with the resilience of Skipton. Lacy's hat-trick came in eight minutes and put the Sandylands side 32-31 up before a classic try by full back George Smithson sealed the victory. The win means Skipton are almost certain to finish the season in the top half of the league, resulting in great progress on last year's performance.
Proud home record goes at the hands of Baildon
February 2005
Skipton's slim promotion chances suffered a major setback at Sandylands as the Reds suffered their first home defeat since April 2004 against a Baildon side also gunning for promotion. This result and Northallerton's recent run of results sees them leapfrog Skipton into fifth place.
In gale force conditions, Skipton turned round 10-5 down but soon overturned this deficit with a second try for Grant Litt. When fly half Darren Howson kicked a penalty with 20 minutes to go the home side led 13-12 but Baildon battled back into the game and deserved the two points, eventually winning 17-13.
Mighty Malton & Norton demolished in Yorkshire Shield
January 2005
Buoyed by the previous week's 74-0 thrashing of Thornensians in the League, Skipton took the game to their illustrious opponents from North East Division Two and outplayed them from start to finish to send them packing out of the cup. Tries from Grant and Dave Litt, Paul Lacy and Matthew Cox gave the Reds a 27-20 victory in one of the best displays seen at Sandylands in recent years.
Smithson back at Sandylands
January 2005
George Smithson has returned to Skipton after spending the early part of the season at neighbours Wharfedale. Smithson, who can play anywhere in the back five, has a superb record for the club with 76 tries in 99 appearances prior to this season and will provide a timely boost to the team's promotion hopes.
Litt brothers in harmony to boost Skipton
November 2004
Buoyed by the return of Kiwi star Grant Litt at scrum half, Skipton maintained their 100% league home record with a 16-14 victory over York RI at Sandylands. Litt was paired for the first time with his elder brother David, who played outside centre, and both had fine games as the Reds returned to winning ways after successive League defeats at Baildon and Thornensians. Skipton's only try of the game came when Litt jinked half the length of the field from the back of a scrum to give the home side the lead late on. The win means Skipton now sit sixth and, if they can translate their superiority at home to games on the road, they have every chanceof reaching the second promotion slot.
Skipton strengthened by overseas contingent
November 2004
Wharfedale might have received all the local press coverage following the arrival of their new Kiwi Daniel Snee but Skipton themselves have been boosted, by two new players from different corners of the globe. Dave Litt, brother of star Kiwi Grant Litt, arrived in the UK on Wednesday 3 November and will make his debut at centre in the Yorkshire Shield game against Hemsworth on Saturday 6 November. His is a timely arrival is Grant is currently sidelined with a kidney injury. When he recovers, Skipton's backs will look particularly strong. Recent signing Alex Naylor, a fly half from Hull Ionians, has impressed everyone at the club already and looks a good acquisition. The pack too has been strengthened. Injuries to hooker and skipper Gareth Hindle (shoulder) and flanker Duncan Roberts (concussion) have been offset by the registration of coach and former Wharfedale First XV hooker Gavin Hindle and the arrival of American prop Steve Krepop. Steve spent last summer playing rugby for Aspen in the American First Division, alongside Skipton's Sam Boatwright. He has settled in well and his fitness, strength and straight running from the front row makes him a great asset to the club.
Barnsley unbeaten run ended by Reds
October 2004
Barnsley's First XV has had a great couple of seasons but their 18-month unbeaten league record ended when they were beaten 11-7 by Skipton at Sandylands on Saturday 2 October. A try from Paul Lacy and a couple of penalties from Mick Richards, coupled with a resolute defence dealt a blow to their hopes of back-to-back promotions and announced Skipton's intentions to the rest of Yorkshire Division Three.
Skipton appoint familiar faces in new look coaching team
June 2004
Skipton will have a new coaching team in place for the new season, headed up by Chairman of Rugby, Carl Watts. Adam Oldfield will be taking the backs, whist Gavin Hindle will be putting the forwards through their paces. The trio take over from Ash Thomas.
Carl Watts has been a player at the club for many years and enjoyed a hugely successful period in charge of junior and colts teams in the 1990s. Adam Oldfield was first team captain at Skipton as recently as 2003 and is currently playing his rugby up the road at Wharfedale. Gavin Hindle, brother of new first team captain Gareth Hindle, began his career at Sandylands as a mini and has enjoyed spells with Sale, Blackheath and Wharfedale.
The trio have been putting the players through their pre-season paces since early 8th June and have worked extremely hard to ensure training sessions are not only hard work but are also varied and fun.
Any new or old players wanting to sample the sessions, should call Carl Watts on 01535 656609 or 07970 888787or come down to the ground for 7pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays throughout the season.
Gareth's the manJune 2004
Hooker Gareth Hindle has been named first team captain for the 2004/05 season, with fly half Darren Howson, who missed over half of last season whilst travelling Australia, is to be his deputy. Gareth takes over the mantle of Mark Davison, who did the duties in 2003/04.
Dave Mitton will captain the second team, with Steven Marks his deputy.
Third team captain is Mark Hawkins.
Farewell Chuck…Hello?
June 2004
Skipton have bid a fond farewell to Chuck Kepa, who has gone home to his native New Zealand after one season at Sandylands. The 6ft 1in, 15 stone utility player played both back row and centre but his progress was hampered after Christmas with a knee injury.
The club's other talented Kiwi Grant Litt will remain at Skipton for the coming season though. This is great news for the club following Litt's 15 tries in only 24 games last season.
At present, there is speculation over who the second overseas player will be, with an Australian and a New Zealander in the frame.
And the winner is…
May 2004
Skipton RFC announced their 2003/04 award winners at its annual dinner in May. Veteran Mike Beech, who won the award outright in 2002/03, was named joint player of the year with Jack Morgan, for their consistency and dedication to the club in a difficult season. Young lock Malcolm Willsher was named most improved player for his progress throughout the season.
The full list of award winners is:
PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Mike Beech and Jack Morgan (joint)
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER UNDER 25 - Malcolm Willsher
CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR - Deborah Mashiter
SECOND XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Dave Mitton
THIRD XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR - Chris Rushton
TEAM OF THE YEAR - Under 12s
JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR - Super Minis
CONTRIBUTION TO CLUB DEVELOPMENT - Terry Booker
CONTRIBUTION TO RUGBY DEVELOPMENT - Edward Brown
JUNIOR RUGBY DEVELOPMENT - Pat Law
Skipton Properties continues to support rugby development
March 2004
Former England and British Lions prop forward Gareth Chilcott visited Skipton Rugby Club last week and lent a hand in receiving a cheque for £5,000 from Brian Verity, Managing Director of Skipton Properties. Skipton RFC Chairman Richard Mashiter welcomed the donation as an important gesture of continuing support for the club in his speech to guests at the annual sportsman's dinner, where Gareth Chilcott was the guest speaker. The event was a great success for the Club with tables sold out weeks in advance. Gareth Chilcott travelled from Bath for the event and his speech followed the theme of the Rugby World Cup win for England. Brian Verity, Managing Director at Skipton Properties, said, "I am a rugby fan and happy to put sponsorship money into the local rugby scene. We are a Skipton company and are committed to the growth of grass roots sport in the area."
