Skipton's errors prove so costly (From Craven Herald)

Skipton's errors prove so costly

11:40am Thursday 15th December 2011 in Skipton By Paddy Murray

Doncaster Phoenix 35 Skipton 10

Skipton travelled to Castle Park looking forward to playing on the best ground in the league and buoyed by their recent performances against Ilkley and Bradford Salem they were optimistic about their prospects.

With top try scorer Lucas Wootton returning to their adventurous back line, the Reds believed the much-improved weather conditions from the previous two weeks would suit their play.

Sadly, their optimism was shattered. The old cliche of “the score flattered the opposition” was a phrase often used on the day to explain how Skipton lost a game they had ample opportunity to win, The visitors started the stronger with excellent carries from Matt Speres, Tom Keady and Paddy Murray coupled with a tactical kicking game from fly half, Alex Brazier, earning plenty of territory. But it was Doncaster who took the lead with a try by flanker Daniel Morris after a string of mauls close to the line.

The impressive Doncaster stand off Jono Storey converted and added a drop goal before Skipton were rewarded for their efforts.

Heavy pressure resulted in David Wilkinson creating another try for Wootton which Brazier converted.

At this point it looked as though Skipton, clearly the better team, might go on to claim a lead.

Doncaster hadn’t read the script though and for the remainder of the half they monopolised the possession and used their powerful and mature back row and centres to smash through their lighter, faster counterparts.

Whenever Skipton did manage to scramble some field position, sloppy handling or ill discipline allowed Storey to hammer the ball back over their heads, often sending them retreating 60 metres at a time. Despite all this, Doncaster still struggled to actually break through Skipton’s defence.

It's unfortunate for Skipton how quickly a game can change.

The last five minutes of the first half saw Skipton make silly errors which were to prove costly.

Nick Byrne scored a try while Storey added the conversion and a penalty.

Just before the break Skipton were given fresh hope when Dan Greenslade was yellow carded for a rucking offence and Brazier kicked the resultant penalty.

The second half saw Skipton win more ball and they tried to play with their usual verve but they lacked the know how to break down the home defence.

They were given a second boost when Andy Ellis was sent to the sin bin just as Greenslade returned to the field, but again they failed to capitalise on their one man advantage.

Even the usual ‘go to’ men, Speres, Keady and Wootton were barely effective.

For all Doncaster’s defensive efforts it was still felt that Skipton could have salvaged the day but it was not to be.

Handling errors gave up possession repeatedly and against a kicker of the calibre of Storey, it was too much on the day. Due to their own mistakes, the Reds never got back into the game despite the whole team putting up a valiant fight.

There was no further score until the final few minutes of the second half when Doncaster managed to add to their lead with a further three tries through Mike Liddle, Nick Byrne and Owen Donovan.

Skipton need to improve their decision making and become more street wise especially when playing against older and wiser opponents to be able to consolidate their position in the league table.

Special mention must go to young prop, Chris Lambert, who more than held his own against a much larger and more experienced opponent despite having to play out of position at tighthead.

Skipton play Selby at home on Saturday looking to sign off for the two-week festive break with a win.