Encouraging signs for Skipton (From Craven Herald)

Encouraging signs for Skipton

10:46am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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Skipton wound up their preparations for the new Yorkshire Two season which kicks off at Hullensians on Saturday, with another encouraging performance.

They travelled to Keighley on Sunday to take part in the Frank Whitcombe Memorial Day game and despite being beaten 27-21 by their neighbours, they produced enough promise to suggest that brighter times are in store.

Three matches were played on Sunday to celebrate the life and rugby career of Frank Whitcombe, the father of Skipton’s coach Martin Whitcombe, and a loyal Keighley servant.

The rugby afternoon started with the 2nd XVs from both clubs showing some good and skilful rugby before an entertaining friendly game between a Bumbles XV and a Friends of Frank XV.

And after these two games, the big and enthusiastic crowd gathered round the renovated and improved grandstand to hear and see the stand officially opened as the Frank Whitcombe Grand-stand – a fitting testament to a modest man who played at county level, but gave his heart to the Keighley club as player, coach and inspiration to generations of colts.

The main game was between the two clubs’ first teams. Keighley made the early running a nd scored a try to take a 5-0 lead.

This prompted a response from Skipton, who then attacked in turn but couldn’t get the ball over the Keighley line.

Play switched from end to end before Keighley spun the ball along the line to score in the corner again.

Skipton opened their account early in the second half. Number eight Patrick Murray charged through the defending Keighley line before passing to supporting centre Richards who scored near the posts. Naylor converted to reduce the deficit to 10-7.

Keighley scored a third try on the right wing but again failed to convert.

Skipton responded with a bout of excellent attacking rugby, throwing some wonderful long passes down the back line, with loops and miss passes confusing the defence and allowing Naylor to cross for another try. He then converted to make the score 15-14.

Keighley re-asserted themselves and used their powerful scrum to good effect.

Number eight Sugden stormed over for a try near the posts. This was converted, to make it 22-14 to Keighley.

Another try a few minutes later from scrum half Dyson saw Keighley move further ahead at 27-14.

However Skipton would not succumb, and after some excellent play an interception from centre Nicholson gave him the opportunity to race for the Keighley line and score under the posts. Naylor again converted to reduce the deficit to 27-21.

This remained the score when the final whistle was blown.

If Skipton can maintain the intensity shown in their pre-season matches at Fylde and Keighley, the prospects seem bright for their Yorkshire Two campaign.