Wensleydale 22 Skipton 38

SKIPTON continued their league campaign with a convincing away win on a windswept pitch at Wensleydale.

Facing the elements in the first half, Skipton scored a try within two minutes when a breakaway by full back Hamish Munro put winger Redver Stork-Flatley over in the corner.

Wensleydale were going to be no walk over and, after a misunderstanding at the breakdown between the Skipton forwards, they turned the ball over and ran in a try under the posts after three slick passes. The conversion put the home side 7-5 ahead.

Their lead was short lived. An excellent crash ball from Connor Carver and pressure from the Skipton forwards led to a penalty under the posts from which Carver went over. Stand off Michael Mullins converted to establish a 12-7 lead. Wensleydale replied just minutes later with an unconverted try in the corner to draw level and they went ahead after kicking a penalty goal.

From the re-start Wensleydale made their way down the pitch and again were awarded a penalty under the posts. This time they opted for a scrum and secured a push-over try which was converted to extend their lead to 22-12.

The home side seemed to be gaining the upper hand but Carver made a great individual run, breaking three tackles to cross the line and give Skipton some respite before half-time. Mullins added the conversion.

Skipton started the second half with the wind behind them but it was Wensleydale who exerted the early pressure. Centre Matty Langstaff collected a yellow card for a shoulder charge and the visitors picked up another penalty minutes later for a high tackle. The kick was not converted .

Tension then mounted for the visiting supporters as the second half wore on but points were not forthcoming despite spell of pressure.

The home side then picked up a yellow card for use of the elbow by their full-back. From the resultant penalty, excellent play down the back line put Langstaff over for Skipton's fourth try as they regained the lead and earned a bonus point. Mullins added the extra points.

Skipton began to gain the ascendency and a superb passage of interplay between forwards and backs followed. Only a forward pass prevented a further try.

Skipton's hooker Chris Sheenan, having his best season for several years, took the resultant scrum against the head to put Mullins over for a superb try and increase the lead to 31-22

A return carry from the re-start by second row Liam Jordan put Munro over for Skipton's sixth try of the afternoon. Mullins again added the extra points.

Two strong runs by Skipton centre Jon Currie gave his pack good field position but despite determined forward play by Wensleydale in the last ten minutes no further points were forthcoming.