Leeds Modernians 23 Skipton 29

TWO tries each from Harry McEneaney and Hamish Munro helped Skipton secure victory in a closely contested encounter at Leeds Modernians.

Early pressure from the home side was countered by an interception and chip through from Skipton winger Jack McLeod. Modernians conceded a penalty for not releasing which was put into the corner. A scrum to Skipton five yards out resulted, from which McEneaney scored an early push-over try. Full-back Matty Langstaff added the extra points. A drop goal attempt by Modernians shortly after the re-start hit the post but Skipton were caught off-side and the home side clawed back three points from the resultant penalty kick.

The sides traded penalties for the next 10 minutes with neither gaining the upper hand, until the hosts received a yellow card when a professional foul prevented a try from a Skipton chip and chase. The visitors opted for the scrum and McEneaney was over for his second push-over try, with Langstaff again adding the extra points.

The home side put the re-start kick straight into touch and a great break from the scrum back by Langstaff put winger Joe Gill away. He was unlucky not to go over, being brought down just short, but minutes later Langstaff put centre Munro away for Skipton's third try after a great steal at the line-out by the Skipton forwards.

Modernians worked the ball up-field from the re-start and gained a drop goal just before half-time with the sides turning round at 19-6 in the visitors' favour.

The home side entered their best period of the game after half time with two tries coming in quick succession, following a quick break from the scrum and sustained pressure on Skipton.

Modernians gained a third try under the posts which they converted to take the lead for the first time in the game, but the Reds were not going to let the match slip and, from the re-start, placed a penalty kick into the corner.

Determined forward play at the line-out put Munro through under the posts for Skipton's fourth try, securing the bonus league point. Langstaff converted.

A tense final five minutes followed for the travelling supporters until Modernians conceded a penalty on the stroke of full-time for off-side. Langstaff converted to wrap the game up at 29-23 in the visitors' favour.