SKIPTON played some good rugby but lost out to Burley in the Aire-Wharfe Plate Final. Two defensive errors mid-way through the first half changed the course of the game which, in many respects, Skipton dominated.

The visitors got off to a good start with quickly recycled ball and quick hands putting pressure on Burley's line. Skipton's man of the match, hooker Charlie Brown, was over for the first of a brace of tries after a Brad Nicholson charge through. Centre Callum Patrick added the extra points.

A great break by skipper Hamish Munro from the re-start resulted in a penalty within kickable range, which Patrick slotted to stretch Skipton's lead to 10-0.

A mis-judged clearance kick by Skipton close to their own line was charged down and Burley raced in to grab a try. The conversion kick was good. Exactly the same error two minutes later gave Burley a second unconverted try. Skipton had given away 12 points and were under pressure. Two more tries from the home side followed and the sides went into the break with Burley leading 24-10.

Skipton re-set their stall for the second-half. Joe Hayes replaced Joe Moorhouse in the back row and some good solid rugby followed, with Charlie Brown over for his second try. Patrick added the extra points.

Joe Stapleton replaced Jonny Tomes-Green in the visitors' back line and the pressure on Burley continued. Centre Anthony Chapman went in for Skipton's third try. The conversion attempt drifted wide but Skipton were within two points of Burley at 24-22.

A yellow card for No. 8 Miff Smith did not help Skipton's cause and Burley brought some heavy replacements into their pack which put pressure on Skipton's scrum.

Carl Nicholson and Tom Creasey came on to bolster the Skipton pack but Burley gained a penalty within kickable range which they slotted to increase their lead and rounded off the game with a fifth unconverted try to come out winners at 32-22.

The large crowd of travelling Skipton supporters gave The Reds a standing ovation and the side can be proud of their achievements this season, producing some very entertaining rugby in this end of season cup run.