Skipton punished for slow start

Skipton returned to league action hoping to gain points on West Park Leeds who were four places above them going into this game, but once again they were left disappointed and deeper in the relegation mire.

The pack was boosted by the presence of Tom Keady and Chris Wright after injury and the return from London of Will Green.

As has been the case so often, Skipton were slow to start. West Park put them under pressure and missed an early chance to open their account with a penalty.

A defensive error enabled West Park to take the lead with a try. That advantage was extended with a further touchdown, a conversion and a penalty.

Finding themselves 15-0 down, Skipton started to attack and broke the Leeds back line with a fine three-quarters move. Green touched down near the posts and Darren Howson converted.

It was Leeds turn to defend now with Skipton on the attack The home forwards drove impressively and forced the ball over the line. Keady touched down but the referee was unsighted and the try was not awarded.

The second half was a tense affair but Skipton were the better side. They were again unlucky not to be awarded a try after constant pressure ended with scrum half Shaun Barraclough touching down under the posts but again the referee failed to see it and awarded a scrum.

Late in the game West Park were awarded a penalty which was converted to round off the scoring.

Skipton were good for much of the game but sloppy tackling let the opposition in twice to score.

At the other end, good runs by Lee Shaw dented the Leeds defence and he was ably assisted by Josh Beck and full back Andy McLean. In the pack there was sterling work done by Rick Willsher, Paddy Murray and Chris Lambert.