Skipton edge ninth victory as Phoenix rise to the challenge

SKIPTON faced a sterner test than in recent weeks but maintained their unbeaten record in Yorkshire Four in a game that went down to the wire.

The home side got off to a good start as centre Jamie Donnelly broke from the kick-off and fed full-back Josh Crane. Although Crane was bundled into touch, Skipton were awarded a penalty which stand-off Carl Paterson converted to gain an early lead.

Skipton dominated the early scrums and a superbly-timed pass from Paterson put Donnelly clear with just one man to beat before scoring a try under the posts. Paterson added the extra points and the home crowd settled back anticipating another comfortable win.

The Reds suffered an immediate setback as flanker Tom Craven received a yellow card for repeated handling on the ground.

By far the best aspect of the visitors' game was their line-out and rolling maul which they used to good effect with Skipton one man down, as they clawed back an unconverted try.

Coach Dave Duxbury sent Rick Wilshire on to join his brother Malcolm in the second row to strengthen Skipton's line-out. Wilshire took the next throw-in and Paterson put the home side down field with a long-range kick.

Skipton stole the ball at the next line-out and No8 Harry McEneaney went over for try number two. Patterson added the extra points.

From the restart Rotherham gained a penalty which they put into the corner and their line-out and rolling maul proved effective again as they secured another unconverted try just before half-time.

The visitors withstood some early pressure from Skipton in the second half and the home side were unable to cross the line despite two Paterson penalty kicks into the corner.

Coach Duxbury sent on flanker Connor Carver to bolster the pack and Matty Langstaff at replacement full back. Langstaff immediately put winger Jon Currie away with a well-timed pass and accurate long-range kicks by both Langstaff and Paterson put Skipton down field. They were awarded a penalty but Paterson was unable to convert and the score remained at 17-10 to the home side.

A spectacular kick and chase by Langstaff and winger Josh Smith would have sealed the game for Skipton but play was brought back by the referee for a forward pass.

The home crowd's nerves were set jangling by a late unconverted try from Rotherham, bringing them to within two points of Skipton.

The home side defended strongly to preserve their lead and with a few minutes remaining were awarded a penalty which Paterson converted to wrap up their ninth league.