Skipton 48 Sheffield Oaks 8

SKIPTON’S recent run of success in Yorkshire Four under new coach Dave Duxbury continued with a seven-try victory.

The new Sports Lottery funded training pitch proved to be worth its weight in gold for the second time this season, as its use allowed the fixture to go ahead at an otherwise rain-soaked and sodden Sandylands.

A rare mistake by the home skipper Chris Sheehan at the kick-off gave the Oaks possession and they went ahead with a penalty goal.

The Reds fell further behind when an error at a line-out allowed Oaks to score a try.

Going 8-0 down stirred Skipton into action. An excellent tackle by second row Harry McEneaney forced a turnover which led to a try for Luke Currie.

After a scrappy period of play where both sides forced penalties, back-row Charlie Brown sustained a suspected broken ankle.

A high tackle on skipper Sheehan gave Skipton a penalty which they kicked into the corner. From the line-out a rolling maul sent the ball down the back line and put Matty Langstaff through for Skipton's second try on the stroke of half-time. Langstaff converted for a 12-8 half-time lead.

Skipton kicked off with the wind behind them for the second half and were soon in the Oak's 25. From a Skipton scrum, quick hands put winger McLeod over for Skipton's third try. Langstaff added the extra points. A huge return kick by Langstaff from the re-start pinned the Oaks back down field and a blatant high tackle on centre Jon Currie gave Langstaff an easy chance to extend Skipton's lead.

Skipton had the advantage of the wind in the second half and Langstaff used it to pin the Oaks back with long range kicks into the corner.

From a forward drive McEneaney and Sheehan combined to put Jon Currie through for the bonus-point try which Langstaff converted.

Coach Duxbury then made some changes, bringing Jonathan Kulik on at scrum-half, Matty Wilson in the back row, Daryl Swales at prop and young Redver Stork-Flatley on the wing.

Skipton's tails were up and an individual kick and chase by Langstaff gave him another. He added the extra points himself.

A few minutes later Jon Currie was put clear by quick hands from the scrum and Skipton extended their lead.