Skipton unable to weather early storm as they lose at Wensleydale in Yorkshire Three

THREE first-half tries sealed the game for Wensleydale in dreadful weather at Leyburn.

Playing into the wind and rain, Skipton struggled from the off and a long-range kick down field forced Skipton winger Josh Berrey to touch down in goal.

From the resultant five-metre scrum Skipton conceded two penalties, with the home side converting the latter to establish an early lead.

A penalty to Wensleydale from the re-start for the visitors holding on was quickly taken and the ball was spun out to the wing for an unconverted try.

A second try soon followed from Wensleydale hooker Mark Dixon after a period of sustained pressure.

Disaster then ensued for Skipton when a dropped catch from the re-start was hacked through by the home side, who touched down again.

The try was converted and the game was effectively won for Wensleydale who had a 20-0 lead.

Skipton gained four successive penalties just before half-time and opted for the scrum on each occasion but determined defence by the home side kept them out.

Skipton kicked off with the wind behind them for the second-half and pinned Wensleydale back in their own 22. Good work at the line-out from second row John Pickersgill and flanker George Dale gained Skipton two penalties for the home side not releasing.

The visitors were not able to cross the line but the referee had had enough and Wensleydale were given their first yellow card for persistent offences at the break down.

The Skipton forwards made the classic error of tapping back in the line-out and in the worsening weather conditions scrum-half Sam Brearley was unable to hold onto the ball.

Wensleydale kicked through and Skipton's clearance was charged down.

A quick tap penalty for not rolling away put Wensleydale over for the bonus-point try.

Yellow fever then struck the home side again, with a second card for not retreating ten yards and interfering with play.

A valiant kick and chase by Skipton full-back Jack McLeod was thwarted over the goal line.

Wensleydale rounded off the scoring with a converted try seconds from time.