York Railway Institute 35 Skipton 19

SKIPTON'S promising start to the new season was derailed by York Railway Institute on Saturday

They came up against a determined home side who produced their best performance so far to secure the win.

The game was scoreless for the first 20 minutes before York's Tom Greaves outpaced everyone to score in the corner. Baptiste Briu added the conversion.

After 35 minutes Dan Coates added a second try for York with Briu again converting.

Skipton kept battling away and capitalised on a lapse in the home defence when Matty Langstaff scored a try. A late penalty by Briu gave York a lead of 17-7 at half-time

Skipton improved in the second half when the good ball carrying of Paddy Murray and Harry McEneaney was well utilised.

They were rewarded for their efforts with two tries from Owen Higson who is proving he is well worth his first team place with his strong running and tackling

Ten minutes into the second half Briu kicked another penalty, before man of the match Greaves jinked his way past three defenders to cross.

York skipper Frazer Land powered his way through three Skipton players to score with a Briu’s conversion earned a bonus point. A penalty by Briu rounded off the home team's scoring.