Battling Reds remain resolute to cling on for first home victory (From Craven Herald)

Battling Reds remain resolute to cling on for first home victory

10:52am Thursday 17th November 2011 in Skipton

Skipton 22 Ripon 17

Skipton registered their first home win of the league campaign against a combative Ripon side.

Prior to the game, an impeccable minute’s silence was observed in honour of Remembrance Day, and when the action started the spectators were treated to a closely-fought contest.

Ripon started the stronger with their physical pack supplying quality ball which was slickly distributed to create a threat out wide.

Within ten minutes, Ripon’s live-wire fullback Vaughan Going crossed for a try which was converted for a 7-0 lead.

As has been the case in recent weeks, going a score behind galvanised Skipton.

They worked their way deep into the Ripon 22 as efficient recycling of the ball enabled them to put together several well-structured phases of play.

When the play was cleverly switched to the left wing, Lee Shaw found space to power his way over in the corner.

Alex Baldwin’s superb touchline conversion levelled the scores and when he kicked a penalty nine minutes later Skipton secured a lead they were never to relinquish.

Both sides endeavoured to play expansively but handling errors and poor passes at key times prevented them from putting more points on the scoreboard.

One of the most pleasing facets of Skipton’s performance was the intensity of their defensive play that ensured Ripon’s threat from close-quarter situations was duly nullified.

The last play of the first half resulted in a Skipton score, as again patience and controlled phase play in the Ripon 22 paid dividends.

Alex Brazier prodded an intelligent grubber kick into the goal area, which was pounced on by wingman George Smithson. Baldwin missed the conversion but a 15-7 half-time lead was a satisfying position to be in.

The majority of the possession and territory in the second half belonged to Ripon, and within moments of the restart they kicked a penalty to reduce Skipton’s lead to five points.

However Skipton’s response was again immediate and following another impressive line-out catch and drive, hooker Matt Speres broke from the rapidly moving maul to register a try which Baldwin converted.

The remainder of the second half saw a plethora of Ripon attacks as Skipton provided them with plentiful possession through unforced errors.

It was to their immense credit that their tackling and defensive organisation prevented Ripon from snatching victory.

The visitors only managed to penetrate the home defence once when their speedy winger evaded the cover defence to score a converted try under the posts.

The final ten minutes proved to be thrilling as both sides tried to mount decisive game.

Skipton were seeking a fourth try that would earn them a bonus point, while Ripon tried their hardest to snatch the game from the home side’s grasp.

One of Skipton’s rare sorties on the Ripon line resulted in them just missing out on a fourth try.

Ripon sensed they had a real chance as Skipton had to reshuffle their back division to cover the loss through injury of the in-form Jona- than Richards.

The Reds also had their attack-minded full back Brazier carrying a substantial knock, but they held firm.

Following the early season disruption caused by injuries and unavailability, Skipton are now developing a greater composure and patience in their attacking play, which coupled with the resolute defensive play should bring more positive results.