No repeat for Skipton’s battlers (From Craven Herald)

No repeat for Skipton’s battlers

1:07pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in Skipton

Skipton 8 Bradford Salem 18

Skipton braved the elements once again in another titanic forward battle hoping to recreate their heroics against Ilkley. Sadly it was not to be their day.

The Reds were missing several key players, but started the stronger of the two teams.

Good early possession and territory enabled Alex Brazier to give Skipton the lead from a penalty goal.

Bradford Salem’s large pack then began to take control of the game despite Skipton’s determined and dogged defence.

The home side struggled to cope with Salem’s driven maul and close -quarter ball carrying.

The pressure resulted in Salem taking the lead after 25 minutes when they capitalised on an injury to Skipton centre, James Bagnall, to create an overlap and score a converted try.

Salem added two penalties before the break.

The second half saw Skipton’s younger pack seize the initiative.

Strong ball carrying from, Matt Speres, Paddy Murray and Tom Keady gave Salem something to think about.

The pressure told when Speres crashed over for a try in the corner after a break by winger Lee Shaw.

Skipton could see an opportunity to win the game and battered away at Salem’s defence without finding a way through.

On a better day perhaps the backs might have got away but the treacherous conditions kept the lively back three of Shaw, Matthew Raw and David Wilkinson at bay.

Salem weathered the storm and they managed to power their way over for a try on a rare foray into the Skipton half.

Salem deserved their win but Skipton must take credit for their effort and endeavour typified by flankers Matty Wilson and Shaun Barraclough who fought all game.

Skipton are away to Doncaster Phoenix this Saturday