Thornensians 48 Skipton 7

With many players out through injury and other commitments, this was always going to be a hard task for the Reds.

The squad had some experienced faces but young players were drafted into key positions, some being new to first team rugby but their commitment to Skipton should be applauded and recognised.

Martin Murray made a welcome return and Callum Patrick and Danny Smith made their first team debuts.

Patrick at full back made some good decisions and kicked downfield well.

This certainly was a game of contrasting halves. The tries came thick and fast from Thornensians in the first half but it was even in the second half with Skipton and Thornensians only scoring one converted try each.

Skipton made too many errors and were punished for missing tackles, losing too much line-out ball and getting turned over at rucks.

Whatever the team talk was at half-time it had the desired effect.

Skipton played with more flair and stuck to the game plan without taking advantage.

Skipton started to press on the Thornensians line with a series of pick up and drives.

Jeremy Hargreaves sparked the move which led to Skipton’s try.

He collected a ball and after it had been swiftly recycled, Jordan Wilson crossed the line to score his first try fin first-team action for Skipton The try was converted by Hargreaves.

The game carried on in a similar vein with Skipton attacking but failing to capitalise and it looked as if Thornensians wouldn’t score in the second half.

Unfortunately they went over for a try in the final minute which they also converted.

It was with some relief that the final whistle went.

Ben Hall was named man of the match. He made the hard yards and was ferocious in his tackles.