Skipton 20 Halifax 29
HALIFAX'S metronomic style of play paid dividends on a day when both teams came to play.
The visitors had a structured and pragmatic game plan, while Skipton continued with their commitment to a cavalier 15-man game.
The first half saw the home side in the ascendency with tries from Matty Langstaff, James Ackers and John Currie,as they established a 20-12 lead.
The second half saw Halifax build their game to eventually overturn the deficit and win the game 29-20.
The game was a full bloodied affair with Halifax suffering two yellow cards and Skipton a red, with bodies battered and bruised.
The second leg of this intriguing trilogy continues in four weeks time in the Yorkshire Silver Trophy.
The whole of the Skipton team delivered for the first 55 minutes but faded as the second half progressed.
Skipton's most valuable player was Stuart Barraclough who had by far his best game since taking over the scrum half's jersey.
The Reds travel to York Railway Institute for yet another tough test on Saturday.
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