IN a dramatic finish, centre Callum Patrick levelled the scores with the last kick of the game to secure Skipton's place in Yorkshire 3 next season.
Skipton started strongly, kicking off into a cross-field breeze and dominated the first ten minutes with the lion's share of possession and many phases of attack on West Park's line. A great break by centre Hamish Munro saw him brought down just short, but quickly re-cycled ball put full-back Luther Hall in for Skipton's opening try. The conversion attempt had no chance into the wind.
West Park then rallied and worked their way down field, gaining a line-out close in from which they were over from a rolling maul. Again, the conversion attempt was blown wide.
Skipton gained a penalty from the re-start and a quick tap and run put the ball down the line to Munro who was in for Skipton's second try just wide of the posts. Winger Jonny Tomes-Green slotted the conversion in the breeze to put Skipton ahead 12-5.
A great return by Hall and Tomes-Green from a long range punt down field, saw West Park's No. 5 pick up a yellow card for a high tackle. Skipton only had numerical advantage for a couple of minutes when prop Andy Wooler and Munro received yellows in quick succession for the same offence and Skipton went into the break with just 13 men.
Prop Chris Wright came into the front row for Skipton for the second-half, to complement Steve Carroll who has put in a full shift this season, playing in every game for Skipton. A great phase of play saw Skipton rewarded with a penalty within kickable range. Tomes-Green's kick was good and stretched Skipton's lead to 15-5.
Josh Pearson joined the pack for Skipton. West Park rallied and, despite great defence from the home side, were over for their second try after sustained pressure on Skipton's line. Centre Anthony Chapman had to retire injured and was replaced by Callum Patrick.
West Park gained a scrum close in for a knock-on and were over for their third try to level the scores. The visitors now had the bit between their teeth . A fourth try from a tap penalty followed. This time the try was converted and West Park took the lead at 22-15.
The game was not over for Skipton and sheer determination drove them down field from the re-start. A high tackle on skipper Josh Nkwo saw him leave the field and West Park receive a second yellow card. Skipton tapped and ran from the penalty with No. 8 Joe Hayes leading his pack in carry after carry. Eventually, the ball was shipped out to Hall who was over from short range.
Patrick converted the try with the last kick of the game to the delight of the sizeable Sandylands crowd.
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