A penalty goal by Halifax three minutes from time in an otherwise scoreless match ended a disappointing afternoon for Skipton, who were looking to extend their recent winning run.

Some fast early exchanges developed into a war of attrition, with each side making only the occasional visit into the other's 22, and the sides turned round with no score in the first half.

Mchael Tam replaced Shaun Barraclough at scrum-half for Skipton after the break but a few minutes into the second-half centre Anthony Chapman received a red card for a tip tackle and Skipton played the remainder of the game with 14 men.

Miff Smith and Harry Maltby replaced Carl Nicholson and Joe Moorhouse in the Skipton pack as the half wore on. Prop Steve Carroll had to retire injured, and Brad Nicholson stepped up into the front row. Halifax eventually made it over Skipton's line but were adjudged held-up. The visitors then received a yellow card in the next phase of play for a tackle off the ball and a ferocious last 20 minutes ensued.

Skipton conceded a penalty within kickable range for not releasing and Halifax converted for the only points of the game. They received a second yellow card from the re-start kick but it was of no consequence and the final whistle sounded leaving Skipton ruing what might have been (3-0 FT).