Top of the table clash all set up!!!

Skipton 2nds made the trip to Halifax still full of Christmas Pudding and expecting an easy win against Old Crossleyans 2nds. Old Crossleyans though under strength, were by no means weakened and right from the off threw several spanners into Skipton’s plans. The early encounters showed Skipton making good headway with Rob Morgan, Jonny Gane and Zach Bullock showing dominance in the loose. This allowing Jonathan Kulik to release Scott Kay and Miff Smith, both of whom made strong runs. It was, however, from an ensuing maul that Harry Maltby was first to go over for a well deserved try. Old Crossleyans weren’t put off by this score and kicked through and recycled the ball, allowing Ian Yates to cross the line to tie the scores at 5 all. From one of their numerous clearance kicks, Mat Hewitt returned the ball, re-gathered and having been brought down just before the line, was adjudged to have made a double movement. Lack of discipline seemed to be a key factor in Skipton being unable to maintain any continuity and from a minor brawl Old Crossleyans were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, duly converted by A. Muccy. This left the score at half time with Skipton trailing 5-8.

After stern words from Skipper Callum Kay Skipton started the second half with a more positive attitude. Carl Nicholson and Luke Barnaby making powerful runs into Crossleyans half and Morgan Bibby doing some fantastic support work with Zach Webster making a nuisance of himself wherever he could. Through this pressure Skipton were able to take the lead with Andy Bullock crossing the line after some slick handling. Old Crossleyans refused to lie down and came back with a try of their own scored by J Woodhouse. This was despite some strong defence by Cam Braithewaite and Tom Lacey. The next score came when Crocks fell fowl of the whistle allowing Skipton to steal 3 points and re-take the lead. At this point, Crossleyans lost a man which proved to be decisive. From a kick through by Skipton, winger Tom Lacey harassed the defence, got back to his feet, retrieved the ball and sprinted over to score under the posts, converted by Callum Kaye. Skipton continued to apply the pressure and having been camped on Crocks line, scrum half Jonny Kulik, sniped in for a score. Crocks once again refused to lie down gaining the upper hand in the scrum which they used to cross the line with Alex Stott claiming the 5 points. To reinforce the scrum, Skipton stalwarts and bus pass holders, Alex Farquahr and Dave Mitton came on, making their presence felt. With 12 minutes to go, for the second time during the game, Alex Bullock came on and acquitted himself admirably. With some breathing space with the scores, Skipton played a more open game and after quick handling Troy Eat’em Johnson found himself with enough space to go over the line and under the posts, duly converted by Callum Kay for the final score.

This match showed Skipton coming out winners after a much better second half performance but Old Crossleyans put up a superb performance with only 14 men in the second half. Skipton’s most valuable player for superb link play and communication throughout the game was Jonathan Kulik