Skipton 2nds 19 v North Ribblesdale Stags 17

SKIPTON'S second team edged out North Riddlesdale Stags at the weekend with a 19-17 victory.

Two tries from centre Keenan McConville saw the hosts turn around an early deficit and, despite a late flurry by the Stags, Skipton held on for the win.

The visitors started well, putting Skipton under immediate pressure, and it was this which led to them opening the scoring. With the pressure on just outside the Skipton 22 metre line, they attempted to get play into their opponents' half with a cross field kick. But the visitors were able to field the kick and with one pass the ball was put in the hands of their winger, who showed his pace and was able to run in from the halfway line.

However, from the restart, Skipton were in the Stags' half. A strong tackle by Daryl Swales dislodged the ball from North Riddlesdale's possession, with Keenan McConville picking it up, bursting through tackles and running in to score.

Both teams continue to play good entertaining rugby and it was McConville who scored again, the conversion giving Skipton a 12-5 lead. The Stags made changes, introducing the skilful Mick Carr after a long injury lay off, and he worked well with the their scrum half as the visitors scored again - taking the gap to two points after a missed conversion.

The Stags continue to press and only a great last ditch tackle by number eight Mark Davison and fly half Alex Baldwin prevented a try. From the scrum and the wet conditions the ball again was dislodged, Tom Lacey picking it up and, with the ref playing advantage, he was able to run the length of the pitch and touchdown under the posts. Baldwin added the conversion and Skipton went in at half time with a 19-10 lead.

The second period was dominated by the Stags who continued to attack the Skipton line, but strong defensive work, particularly from full-back Andy McLean and forwards Jimmy Boynton, Gareth Atkinson and Tom Harrison, prevented them from scoring.

The visiting scrum-half, who had been instrumental in the Stags' play throughout the game, was able to absorb a spell of Skipton pressure and, with under five minutes to go, he was able to get himself on the scoresheet.

The conversion was added and the away side were within two points of a victory, but Skipton were able to hold on to the lead for a few minutes before a well-deserved victory.