Skipton 0 Northallerton 22

Skipton kicked off with a strong wind at their backs and were soon on the attack on a bitterly cold day.

James Ackers made a incisive break and only good defence from the visitors prevented a score.

Skipton secured the ensuing line-out and a forceful drive from Charlie Brown appeared to all the crowd to have resulted in a try, only for the referee to rule that the ball had been held up.

Unfortunately, this season several decisions by officials at key times in games have gone against Skipton and this one joined the list.

Minutes later Northallerton broke out from defence and scored a converted try.

The home team came back again with Ben Hall featuring prominently and it took solid defence from Northallerton to prevent a score.

Josh Beck then took the ball forward in aggressive fashion and the tireless Steve Cuthbert was halted just short of the line.

Another breakout after a ball was dropped in midfield led to a further try for the visitors and at half-time Skipton trailed 12-0.

In the second half the weather deteriorated dramatically and even retaining the ball for any length of time was an achievement.

With the wind at their backs Northallerton camped for long periods in Skipton’s half but great defensive work by Hall, Beck and Stuart Barraclough restricted the visitors to two late tries.

Red Flatley was solid at full back, Charlie Brown was heavily involved throughout in both defence and attack and Luke Stockton showed just why he has been missed during his injury lay-off.