GEORGE Smithson is back at Skipton. He has decided to return to the Sandylands club after a season with Wharfedale in which he confirmed his ability to play at National Division Two level with a number of first-team outings.

In recent weeks his appearances have been limited by injury and the arrival of fatherhood, but his decision to return to his roots will be as much a disappointment for the Dalesmen as it is a delight for the Reds.

"He's obviously a very talented lad, as he has proved at Wharfedale during his time with them and it's great news for the club that he is back with us," says spokesman Chris Windle. "He had a run-out with our second team last weekend and scored a couple of tries and is in the team to entertain Northallerton tomorrow."

Wharfedale will be disappointed to see him go. "He's a first-team player with us, but he hasn't been able to train properly of late, which has prevented him playing in league matches," says coach Peter Hartley. "If he was able to train twice a week and have a run with the second team, he'd be back in the first-team squad, but that hasn't happened."

Smithson plays at full-back tomorrow as Skipton try to kick-start a season which has lost its momentum in recent weeks. Games lost to weather, a couple of defeats against teams from the top end of the table and a mid-table position have resulted in the season going a bit flat and the Reds need to get back on track tomorrow against one of the Yorkshire Two strugglers.

North Ribblesdale are in even greater need of a victory when they visit Old Crossleyans tomorrow for another crucial Yorkshire One fixture.

They slipped into the bottom two in the table last weekend despite a good effort at Huddersfield YMCA, but near misses are an indulgence the club can no longer afford.

Skipton: G Smithson; M Beech, I Sneddon, F Walker, P Lacy; D Howson, H Burns; P Jenkinson, N King, G Reid-Hughes, G Newhouse, A Winthrop, J Morgan, I Scrivin, M Davison. Replacements: A Phillip, R King, A Oldfield.