SKIPTON made it four wins out of four at Thirsk on Saturday to consolidate their position at 6th place in Yorkshire Three.

Despite facing a big Thirsk pack, the Skipton forwards made an excellent start, putting the ball through many phases of play. They were rewarded with a penalty under the posts, which centre Callum Patrick slotted to open the scoring.

Thirsk had the better of the early lineouts but some crunching tackles by Skipton kept them contained and a hard game of rugby ensued. Skipton gained a penalty for a Thirsk off-side and put the ball into the corner. A great break by hooker Charlie Brown put No. 8 Joe Hayes clear but an interception put Thirsk back down field, with full-back Luther Hall clearing safely into touch.

Skipton began to come back at the line-out and a rolling maul from 5 metres out saw Charlie Brown over for Skipton's opening try. Winger Jonny Tomes-Green added the extras and Skipton went into the break with a 10-0 lead.

Skipton made a great start to the second half, with many phases of play pinning Thirsk back in their own 22. They conceded another penalty under the posts which Tomes-Green converted to stretch Skipton's lead. Thirsk were not out of the game and came back strongly at Skipton from the re-start kick to secure an unconverted try from a ruck close-in.

Skipton maintained the pressure on Thirsk and a great break by skipper Josh Nkwo at stand-off put Hall clear to run in Skipton's second try at pace. The conversion attempt was just wide.

Skipton absorbed further pressure from Thirsk and countered down field but conceded several penalties at the scrum against the heavier Thirsk pack. They continued to put the ball through many phases, driving Thirsk back, and were over the line but adjudged held-up.

Thirsk countered again and heavy pressure saw them over Skipton's line, but they too were adjudged held-up. Eventually, time was up, and Skipton came away with an 18-5 victory from a very hard-fought afternoon.