Skipton vs Ilkley

Sunday 17th Feb 2013
Under 15s Rugby
Skipton vs Ilkley
10 – 31

This was an excellent game of rugby and Skipton pushed the Yorkshire Cup semi-finalists closer than the scoreline suggests.
Ilkley had the majority of possession in the first period and most of that in the Skipton half of the pitch. Skipton defense was superb with all individuals tackling well however Ilkley smoothly cleared defenders from the breakdown which enabled quick ball for their backs. The score at half-time was 0 – 12 which reflected the balance of the game.
Skipton did not start the second half well and quickly allowed Ilkley two easy tries with feeble tackling and ball watching. The home crowd feared the worst but the Skipton players regained confidence after they turned over possession on their own 5m line. The ball was secured, a couple of solid phases followed and a huge kick to half way by centre Callum Jeffries cleared their lines. Skipton had control of the ball and took the game to Ilkley, spending the final quarter in the Ilkley half. Ilkley crossed the line once more but Skipton scored two deserved tries from no.8 Oliver Snowden to ensure Skipton finished the game in the ascendency. This passage of play highlighted the ability within the Skipton team and hopefully they will continue to play with the same intensity through the remainder of the season.