SKIPTON put in a very creditable performance to hold league leaders Barnsley to 48-23 on a warm Spring day at the Shaw Lane Sports Grounds.

Very few sides have travelled to Barnsley this season and scored more than 20 points.

An early penalty put Barnsley into the corner and from a further penalty at the breakdown they opted for the scrum and were over for the opening points of the day, despite robust defence from Skipton.

A high tackle in the next phase of play gave Skipton a penalty within kickable range, which skipper Hamish Munro at full-back converted to claw back three points. A long range penalty kick by Skipton in the next phase of play didn't find touch and gave possession back to Barnsley. The home side punished the error and quick hands down the back line saw them in for a second converted try. Skipton came straight back from the re-start and set up a rolling maul from a line-out close in, but the ball was lost and no points resulted.

A penalty under the posts for Barnsley not rolling away gave Munro another chance at goal which he converted to add to Skipton's tally. The home side responded with two quick tries, one of which was converted, to give them a 26-6 lead at the break.

Skipton started the second-half strongly, taking the game to Barnsley, and were rewarded with a well finished try from stand-off Josh Nkwo. The attempt at goal drifted wide. Barnsley replied with their fifth try, again unconverted. The re-start kick did not go ten metres and, from the scrum back, Barnsley ran in try number six.

They then picked up a yellow card for repeated off-side offences. Skipton put the ball into the corner and a well worked move from the line-out saw Munro over for Skipton's second try. The conversion attempt again drifted wide. The home side ran in two further tries, Skipton added adding a further try, 48-23 (FT) in Barnsley's favour.