West Park Leeds 38 Skipton 20

This re-arranged but meaningless game in the context of league positions strangely resulted in an enthralling encounter.

The earlier season meeting fell foul of the weather, and negotiations to find a suitable date for both clubs were doomed to failure.

West Park had previously arranged a good send off, after what was to be their last game of the season, for retiring first team player Glen Kilvington, after 30 years with the club.

Skipton, on the other hand, had many players already committed to tackling the gruelling Three Peaks Trek to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. West Park stuck to their guns and would not be moved from April 27, Skipton, on the other hand, could only muster seven regular first team players.

In time honoured fashion, the RFU insisted that Skipton play the match or be deducted five points. It then condoned their use of unregistered players in order that they could field a side, but stated that Skipton would have to concede the match regardless of the result. Followed all that?

Enter team manager Tracy Murray, magic phone calls, prodigal sons et al, and 18 men proudly donned the Red shirt. Having given Moortown an 80-point drubbing West Park may well have expected a similar result given Skipton’s season so far, and they got off to a flying start with a try and conversion within a minute.

Skipton’s loyal followers may also have feared the worst, both were wrong. The Reds struck back causing panic in West Park’s defence as returning former captain and club favourite Jonathan Richards cut through their defence to threaten the home line.

A meagre Alex Naylor penalty was their only reward. A misunderstanding in midfield gifted West Park a second try and Skipton were 14 points in as many minutes.

The disparate Reds began to form some cohesion and looked the better attacking side, with Matt Speirs terrorising the home defence. Before the half hour a brilliant team effort and individual skill saw Richards cross the line, with Alex Naylor adding the extras.

West Park added two further tries and a conversion to lead 26-10 before surrendering the considerable slope and wind advantage at half-time.

The home team’s defence was then put under the cosh in the second half, and the Reds scored two well-crafted tries from Speirs.

Had this ad hoc side been playing together another 40 minutes the result would undoubtedly have gone the way of Skipton. West Park replied with two tries and conversion. Dreamers can only imagine what the season could have been like.

Every man played his part, no shirking responsibility, and all deserve a mention. Speirs, Richards and Naylor were superb, as was retired prop Paul Shearer.

The back row combination of Josh Beck, Ben Hall and Jimmy Boynton harassed and worried West Parks’ attack and had many strong runs.

Hooker Malc Dutton and prop Chris Wright aided by Shearer proved a formidable front row. John Grayston stepped up to the plate with some hard carries, while fellow second-rower Rick Wilsher was dependable at the line-out and created his usual havoc in the loose.

Miff Smith at scrum half gave fast and clean service to his half back partner Darren Howson. Young Frank Trueman on the right wing looks an excellent prospect and proved a handful.

Jordan Wilson coped manfully out of position on the wing, while Scott Kay, on Army leave, was rock solid at centre, while replacements Jordan Emmison and Carl Nicholson both put in useful stints.

Team manager Murray and stand in coach Chris Sheehan stood proud as the final whistle blew, job accomplished. It was job accomplished too for the charity fundraisers on the Three Peaks Trek, when they surpassed their £1000 target, and added £1600 to the well-deserving coffers of The Teenage Cancer Trust. Yarnbury are visit Sandylands on Saturday.