Skipton 22, Leodiensians 26

A minute’s silence was observed before the kick-off of this SSE Yorkshire Division Two match last Saturday for Skipton soldier Sergeant Gareth Thursby, who was killed in Afghanistan the previous week.

Remarkably in a game of 48 points, the first 30 minutes did not provide any scores, although both sides had their chances, Skipton crossing the line from a forward pass and being unable to convert a penalty.

Leos had a penalty in front of the posts, but they missed. However, they went ahead courtesy of a converted try but Skipton replied with a try from winger Lee Shaw.

The hosts were reduced to 14 men when Ben Shaw saw yellow, and Leos took advantage, driving over from a scrum to lead 12-5 at half-time.

Skipton started the second half the stronger, Alex Baldwin landing a penalty to reduce the deficit to 12-8.

The game was evenly poised but the home side lost James Boynton and Jonny Moore through injury and Leos scoring another converted try.

The reds did not give in, however, and Lee Shaw charged down a Leos kick to gather up and go over for his second try, Baldwin converting.

Leos now only led 19-15 but scored another converted try against the run of play.

Again Skipton were not finished, and the pack drove Sam Harrison over but the referee had been knocked to the ground and couldn’t award the try.

From the scrum, Skipton’s pack were rewarded with a try, Baldwin converting.

Chris Wright, Chris Lambert and Richard Willsher were prominent in the forwards but the man of the match was Lee Shaw.

This weekend Skipton are at Ripon.

SKIPTON: M Raw, L Shaw, J Wright, S Harrison, D Wilkinson, J Moore, A Baldwin, C Wright, J Boynton, C Lambert, R Willsher, J Grayston, B Hall, D Wellock, R Ingham. Replacements: S Kay, S Bygrave, S Barraclough.