Skipton 51 Leeds Corinthians 5

DESPITE an emphatic seven-try victory Skipton had their chance of promotion cruelly snatched away in the last play of the game at Cawkill Park, Leyburn, where second placed Wensleydale scored a converted try on the stroke of full time to secure a 25-22 win against league leaders Halifax Vandals.

It was tough on the Reds as they have enjoyed a remarkable revival since the arrival of coach Dave Duxbury with 14 wins and a draw from the final 15 games.

They were always playing catch up after losing five of the first seven matches but at least there is now real optimism for next season.

A well-taken line-out ball by second row Luke Stockton led to good work from Harry McEneaney to put stand-off Jake Duxbury over for the Reds' opening try.

An excellent return kick from the re-start by Duxbury put Skipton back down field and a stolen ball at the line-out by back-row Jordan Wilson sent the ball away. Second row McEneaney joined the back line and crossed for Skipton's second try to the delight of the home crowd. Duxbury added the extra points.

The lead was extended when Duxbury landed a penalty when Corinthians transgressed.

Full back Matty Langstaff made a try-saving tackle on Corinthians first excursion into Skipton's half and Duxbury countered with a long-range kick putting Skipton back into Corinthians 22.

The visitors' openside received a yellow card for a high tackle on Langstaff. McEneaney took advantage of Corinthians disarray and joined the back line again to score Skipton's third try. Duxbury converted for a 22-0 half-time lead.

Corinthians started the second half strongly but Skipton countered with a good run from Langstaff. He put back-row Matty Wilson clear but he was bundled into touch just short of the line.

Duxbury made amends a few minutes later by putting No 8 Ben Hall through for Skipton's fourth try, to secure the bonus point and the stand off added the extra points.

Corinthians fought back to Skipton's line but Matty Wilson ended the move with a smother tackle. Langstaff and centre Hamish Munro broke out from the ruck but the ball was knocked-on.

Duxbury scored an opportunist fifth try for Skipton from a Corinthians knock-on. He added the extra points himself and the home side had a comfortable 36-0 lead.

Not to miss out on the action, Jack McLeod scored a classic winger's try, after being fed by Langstaff and Munro.

Corinthians fought back again and secured a series of penalties under Skipton's posts, from one of which Stockton received a yellow card for handling on the ground.

Eventually the visitors went over for an unconverted try but Skipton soon replied with Duxbury converting a penalty for Corinthians not retreating ten yards.

After a series of quick tap penalties, centre Liam Jordan ran in Skipton's final try of the afternoon with Duxbury converting to seal the win.