Skipton relegation woes grow after defeat by bottom team Hemsworth

Skipton’s relegation woes increased as they slithered to defeat against Yorkshire Division Three's bottom team Hemsworth.

It was hardly the result the Reds wanted on an afternoon when their cause wasn’t helped by the fact they only had 16 players due to work, injury and family commit- ments.

It meant they had only one substitute along with a paucity of support on the touchline too.

Skipton were forced to field a side littered with young players who are still gaining experience at this level.

Despite their selection problems, Skipton actually started well.

They went ahead after five minutes when skipper Darren Howson kicked the first of the two penalties he was to land in the opening half.

Skipton built some prom- ising moves with good breaks by Sam Harrison and Luke Stockton being stopped just short of the line.

Finally, quick recycling and a short pass to James Ackers put him over the try line. Howson converted.

Hemsworth’s only score of the first half was a penalty as they trailed 11-3.

Everything went downhill for Skipton after the break as a poor restart led to Hems- worth scoring a try.

Skipton tackled gamely but their brave resistance was shattered when a speculative kick bounced unkindly for them and Hemsworth pounced for a converted try.

It was to Skipton’s credit that they managed to put their rivals under pressure in the closing minutes.

Strong runs from Will Pennett, Redver Stork-Flatley and Luke Stockton tested the defence but Skipton were unable to get over the line.