Wetherby 63 Skipton 0

FACING the league leaders at this crucial stage of the season was always going to be a hard task for Skipton and so it proved.

The scoreline was emphatic, but every Skipton player can be proud of how they faced the challenge and can reflect on how much has been achieved this season.

Although securing promotion several weeks ago, the home side were keen to maintain their 100per cent winning record and ran in two tries in the first six minutes before Skipton had time to settle into the game.

A period of aggressive forward play followed from Skipton, who slowly began to put pressure on Wetherby but skipper Ryan Binner sustained an injury in the process and had to leave the field.

Wetherby's well-drilled support play and superior fitness and pace began to take it's toll and their points tally mounted as they ran in the tries.

Skipton played well when given the opportunity. The visitors' man of the match, wing forward Connor Carver, threatened to score on several occasions but the Wetherby defence were determined to keep a clean sheet.

Even Skipton's big ball carriers, Luke Currie, Liam Jordan and Harry MacEneanie couldn't break through.

Skipton now have one remaining home league fixture against Hornsea. Second-placed Halifax have a game in hand and the final league places will be determined by the outcome of that fixture.