Halifax Vandals 6 Skipton 17

SKIPTON returned to winning ways with an 11-point victory over Halifax Vandals on a bitterly cold February afternoon at the Warley ground.

Whilst suffering some late cry-offs, Skipton were bolstered by the return of Harry MacEneanie, Redver Stork-Flatley and Owen Higson to the first team squad with winger Josh Berrey retaining his place after his debut the previous week.

The visitors suffered an early setback, giving a penalty away for crossing which gave the Vandals a 3-0 lead.

Good forward work by Skipton's No 8 Ben Hall and harassing by scrum-half Stuart Barraclough gained valuable territory.

Darting runs by wing forward Connor Carver and strong work by Luke Currie added to the sustained forward pressure and Skipton were soon over for a well-deserved try from utility back row Charlie Brown.

The Vandals appeared rattled, giving away a series of penalties, resulting in their first yellow card for persistently not retreating the full ten yards.

Barraclough picked up a neck injury and was replaced at scrum half by brother Shaun. No further points were forthcoming despite a war of attrition between the two packs.

The Vandals started the second half with determination but Skipton's defence held firm. The home side won two penalties in Skipton's 22 and landed the second one to take the lead.

Skipton were not to be denied. Excellent forward work by Ben Hall led to centre Hamish Munro crossing for a superb try. This was converted by stand-off Michael Mullins to give the visitors a 12-6 lead.

A period of solid defence from Skipton followed, with a breakaway try by Connor Carver increasing their' lead to 17-6.

The home side received a second yellow card for tackling a man in the air and then talking back to the referee.A breakaway by Hall from the penalty did not produce any further points and the final whistle blew at 17-6.

This was a satisfying win for workmanlike Skipton who now face third-placed Mosborough at home on Saturday.