Hessle 34 Skipton 29

SKIPTON kicked off into a force five gale blowing that was off the Humber estuary on their second trip to Hessle this season for a Yorkshire Silver Trophy clash.

They put in a fine performance despite the atrocious weather conditions in a closely-contested game. Although defeated, the outcome was much better than the 43-0 defeat they suffered in the earlier league clash between the sides.

Hessle opened the scoring with a converted try, but Skipton soon replied with an excellent individual score from Matty Langstaff. Stand-off Jake Duxbury added the extras to level the scores.

Duxbury followed ups with an interception try which he converted to give his side a 14-7 lead.

The home side countered with a try under the posts which was converted to level the scores. Then, assisted by the gale force wind, landed a 50-yard penalty to go ahead at half-time.

Skipton had the advantage of the weather conditions in the second half but Hessle secured an unconverted try almost from the kick-off.

Duxbury reduced the deficit with a penalty before Jack McLeod ran in a try under the posts which Duxbury converted to retake the lead for Skipton.

The strength of the wind then increased and made all further attempts at goal futile. Each side were awarded a penalty which they could not convert.

Prop Chris Wright increased Skipton's lead with an unconverted try before Hessle replied with a well-worked try of their own.

Skipton were clinging to a 29-27 lead which they held until the final minute when Hessle scored a converted try to claim a place in the next round.

Skipton club president Tom Hayes said: "Our boys can be immensely proud of themselves. They took Hessle right to the wire with this one and are improving with every game."