North Ribblesdale 2nds 33 Skipton 2nds 10

THE heavens opened after half an hour and made an already competitive game even more of a physical encounter with both packs battling it out for possession and territory.

Having substitutions and the return of experienced players helped Skipton stay in the game up front – in particular Troy Johnson, John Firth, Luke Barnaby, Carl Nicholson, Sam Hunter and Jordan Wilson.

In a marked improvement from the previous week, Skipton set up phases well, building play and showing mettle at the set piece against a big, experienced North Ribb side.

Dale opened the scoring with a well-worked backs try. But, whereas in the past heads would have gone down, Skipton kept it tight and denied ball to the Ribb backs. However, a deliberate knock by Skipton on their own try line resulted in a penalty try to North Ribb.

Skipton finally got on the scoresheet after kicking for territory and ultimately gaining a five-yard scrum. Solid work again from the front five and good passing from Brocksom and Callum Kay put George Hall over for a try with a successful conversion from Kay.

North Ribb kicked for position well but this was matched by Skipton's man of the match Alex Bullock, whose good hands and return runs broke the Ribb defence up..

As the rain came down it became a war of attrition, which is where the substitutions came invaluable and kept the score down for Skipton. Although North Ribb scored another two tries, the visitors kept their heads and played the game out, with Kay adding to the score with a penalty.

The game finished on a sour note when second team stalwart Kay dislocated his right knee.

Although beaten by the better team on the day, Skipton continue to improve and, if they carry on in this vein, it should be a very good season for them.