IT was just the tonic needed - to steady the nerves of the Sandylands supporters - a win to lift Skipton to 9th in Yorkshire Three.

Skipton made a great start to the game, with two outstanding turn over balls from skipper Anthony Chapman at stand-off putting second-row Carl Nicholson close. The home side caught Thirsk off-side at the ruck and winger Jonny Tomes-Green slotted the kick to open the scoring.

Skipton pressed close as the first-half wore on until centre Hamish Munro, back from a two week lay-off, chipped through and touched down for a try. Tomes-Green added the extras.

Munro received a boot to the face in touching down and had to leave the field for treatment. Alex Baldwin stepped up into the back line. Prop Andy Wooler pulled a hamstring, being replaced by Tom Allsop, and Skipton went into the break 10 nil up.

Thirsk started the second-half strongly, putting pressure on Skipton's line. The home side conceded two penalties and Thirsk were over for a converted try.

Skipton head coach Declan Hayes then made some changes, bringing Will Havers-Smith and Harry Maltby into the forwards for Jordan Wilson and Carl Nicholson, whilst Jake Emmison replaced Michael Tam at scrum-half.

There was then an outbreak of yellow fever on the pitch with four cards being issued, two for each side. The first two for what appeared to be some innocuous jostling and the second two for a high tackle and retaliation. Skipton gained a penalty from each incident and Tomes-Green slotted the second to put Skipton ahead 13-7.

Thirsk were fired up and came back strongly at Skipton, putting the ball through many phases and gaining a second try in the corner on the stroke of full-time. The conversion attempt was wide of the posts by a margin and Skipton came away with the 13-12 victory.