THERE was no joy for Skipton at Wheatley Hills where two quick first-half tries effectively sealed the game for the home side.
A ferocious start saw both sides at full pace, with Skipton dominating possession and camping on the home side's line. They came close but were held out and after three successive penalties into the corner, opted for goal which stand-off Jamie Barker slotted to open the scoring.
The score remained at 3 nil in Skipton's favour for 30 minutes until they lost possession at the break down and quick hands saw Wheatley Hills over for their first converted try. A penalty quickly followed to put the home side 10-3 up.
A further quick tap for Skipton off-side gave Wheatley Hills a second converted try and another late penalty gave the home side a 20-3 half-time lead.
An unconverted third try from the re-start put Wheatley Hills out of reach. Skipton Coach Neil Spence rang the changes, with Jake Emmison replacing Jonny Hill and Tom Lacey on for Joe Moorhouse. Skipton countered but were unable to convert pressure into points. Michael Smith then replaced Alex Burnett and back-row Jordan Wilson was forced to retire injured, being replaced by Zach Phillip.
Wheatley Hills made a late break but were held up over the line, forcing the goal line drop out, from which the home side replied with a drop goal.
Front-row stalwart Tom Allsopp took to the field for the last 10, but this and a yellow card to Wheatley Hills for a high tackle were to no avail. The home side ran in a fourth converted try to give a final score of 35-3 in their favour.
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