Skipton 29 Knaresborough 3

An overcast afternoon provided perfect September rugby conditions at Sandylands for Skipton's opening Yorkshire Division Four home game.

Following on from their success in the first round of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy and last week's opening league game, the strong Skipton side were soon putting the visitors under pressure.

A quick tap penalty from Harry MacEneaney gave James Ackers an early break, only for him to be brought down under the posts just short of the line.

Clean line-out ball from Luke Stockton, who looks very comfortable in his new forward position, applied early pressure and resulted in a penalty being awarded to the home side, which stand-off Matty Langstaff converted.

An uncharacteristic knock on from the re-start by Harry MacEneaney gave Knaresborough a scrum but aggressive work from No. 8 Ben Hall denied them any score.

Intensive forward pressure then led to a well-deserved try for MacEneaney which was again converted by Matty Langstaff to give the home side a 10-0 lead.

Some loose handling then denied Skipton further chances and the score remained 10 nil at half time.

An early penalty to the visitors in the second half reduced their deficit to 10-3.

Coach Mark Walton made some effective changes to the pack, including the introduction of Charlie Brown, and a further try from Langstaff was not long in coming. He converted his own try.

Captain Ryan Binner had led from the front all game and a bullocking run from him down the middle put centre Callum Patrick over. The try was not converted and the home side led 22-3.

A final try to secure the extra league point came from winger Matty Ray who had been on sharp form throughout the afternoon. The try was converted by Jamie Donnelly, to give the home side a 29-3 victory.

This was a good performance by Skipton and one which can be developed and improved upon as the season progresses.