Skipton 7 Wetherby 23

JUST two weeks after being taught a lesson and suffering a 52-0 defeat at the hands of the Yorkshire Four leaders, Skipton gave them a real battle in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy.

The Reds had clearly learned the lessons from their mauling and produced a battling display which certainly rattled their opponents.

No quarter was given and no backward step was taken as Skipton had the better of the first-half possession.

The threw wave after wave at the resolute Wetherby defence which kept them at bay as two penalties gave the visitors a 6-0 lead.

The second half started in the same fashion with Skipton playing the better rugby, trying to chase down the game.

During this period Wetherby scored a clinical breakaway try, this on top of a long range penalty, gave them a 16-0 lead.

However these days no Skipton team gives up and accepts defeat. Their determined play and fighting spirit was reward with a try under the posts from flanker Liam Jordan.

Skipton had seven minutes to try and turn the game around. Having made their way from one end of the pitch to the other the very last scoring pass was intercepted by the Wetherby winger who scored a converted try to seal his team’s win.

The absorbing game was played in good spirit by both teams. The final score was tough on Skipton who probably deserved a draw and extra time.

However, there are encouraging signs for new coach Mark Walton.

He favours a running game and that has been reflected in the fact that the team have run in many tries from distance.

He has urged his players not to kick away possession and is putting a great emphasis on teamwork.

Walton said: “One thing I believe to the fullest is that if you think and achieve as a team, the individual accolades will take care of themselves. Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”