SKIPTON secured their place in the Aire-Wharfe Plate Final with a five try victory over Roundhegians 2nds, including two from full-back Luther Hall at the weekend.
Skipton exerted early pressure with an individual break by second-row Brad Nicholson. A penalty kick into the corner saw two good runs by hooker Charlie Brown, resulting in a second penalty from which a tap and run saw Miff Smith at No. 8 over for Skipton's opening try.
The re-start kick went straight out. Skipton opted for the scrum and gained a penalty. A long-range kick down field saw full-back Luther Hall follow up, pick up the bounce and touch down under the posts. The full-back added the extra points himself.
A yellow card for winger Chris Wilkinson for a deliberate knock-on was compounded by a further yellow card for centre Callum Patrick two minutes later and Skipton were down to 13 men. Roundhegians took advantage and ran in a converted try to claw back 7 points.
Notwithstanding the numerical disadvantage, the Skipton forwards took the game straight back to Roundhegians and Brad Nicholson broke the line again to go in for Skipton's third try, with the sides turning round at 17-7 in Skipton's favour.
Joe Hayes replaced Miff Smith at No. 8 for the second-half. Skipton gained a penalty close-in after a Jonny Tomes-Green charge down and ruck, and quick tap-ball saw back-row Joe Moorhouse in for Skipton's fourth try.
Tom Creasey came into the second-row to replace Harry Maltby and Andy Maclean came into the back line to replace an injured Josh Nkwo.
Skipton then suffered another outbreak of yellow fever with Tom Creasey and Charlie Brown each receiving yellow cards within two minutes and Skipton were back down to 13 men. Roundhegians again took advantage and put the ball wide to run in a second unconverted try.
Skipton held on and Luther Hall rounded off the game for the visitors with a superb individual kick and chase to gain a fifth try and a 27-12 win.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here