SKIPTON were disappointed to come away with just a losing bonus point from another closely contested and very physical encounter, which saw the home side (Park Leeds) secure victory with minutes remaining.

An early penalty attempt at goal by Skipton went wide and the home side responded quickly from the re-start, gaining two consecutive scrums and putting the ball through swift hands to go over for an early converted try.

Skipton gained ground from the re-start and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts, which stand-off Miff Smith converted to make the score 7-3.

Skipton again responded strongly and centre Josh Nkwo almost touched down from a kick and chase, but the ball spilled over the dead ball line out of play.

The visitors conceded a series of penalties but then settled into a good phase of play, maintaining the pressure on West Park. No further scores resulted and the sides turned round at 7-3 in West Park's favour.

An early penalty in the second-half stretched the home side's lead to 10-3. Skipton Coach Craig Bartlett brought Harry McEneaney and Andy Wooler into the pack but an unfortunate incident saw Wooler receive a red card for retaliation, with his opposite West Park number being yellow carded.

Skipton clawed back another three points from a Miff Smith penalty before a yellow card for hooker Charlie Brown added to Skipton's woe. Despite being a man down, Skipton continued to apply pressure on the West Park line and were rewarded with a try from skipper Hamish Munro at full-back. The conversion attempt hit the post but Skipton had taken the lead at 10-11.

West Park gained a penalty a few minutes later for a Skipton double movement and slotted the kick to re-take the lead at 13-11. The home side sensed that victory was within their grasp and, with just minutes to go, ran in a second try from a penalty close to Skipton's line.

The conversion attempt went wide. McEneaney made a great break down the left field from the re-start but the referee blew for full-time when play was held up, giving a final score of 18-11 to West Park.