THE Skipton Roses made the short trip to Yarnbury Ladies to play their penultimate game of the season, with both teams sitting in mid-table heading into the contest.

The Roses received the kick-off and quickly got into their stride, with the forwards carrying strongly.

For the first 25 minutes it was evenly balanced between the teams, with both trying to play expansive rugby. Yarnbury were the first to break the deadlock when their centre found a gap in midfield and ran in under the posts. The conversion was added to put the hosts 7-0 in front.

From the restart the Roses pressured Yarnbury's try-line and after several phases of play through the forwards, forward of the match Georgie Riley scored to the right of the posts. Unfortunately the conversion was missed and Yarnbury held a narrow two-point lead at half-time.

The Roses kicked off the second half and with the first phase of play Yarnbury again broke a gap in midfield and ran in try number two. The conversion was added to make it14-5. The next 15 minutes was littered with penalties for infringements at the breakdown and scrums from knock ons, and neither team could play any flowing rugby.

As the game progressed into the last 15 minutes, Yarnbury scored again and took the score to 21-5.

From the restart the Roses had a purple patch, playing with great determination and continuity. The ball was played at speed and centre Saima Hussain was over for a try. Steph Roe was unlucky with the conversion attempt, hitting the up right post and rebounding the wrong side of the crossbar.

As the game entered the last five minutes Roses winger Nicola Marklew received the ball on the ten-metre line and was able to evade the would be tackles and touchdown for the Roses' third try and bring the score to 21-15. Again, Steph Roe was unfortunate to miss the conversion with the strong wind blowing it just to the wrong side of the post.

The referee indicated three minutes left on the clock and the Roses went all out knowing a try and a conversion would steal them victory, however Yarnbury were resolute in defence and the hosts claimed victory.

The Roses now look forward to their last game of the season away against York RI on Sunday 28 April.

They will finish the season in 5th position of the league, which is a great result for their first season in National Challenge 2, the 5th tier of the English Rugby Women’s Pyramid.