Skipton go in search of cup glory on Sunday when they take on Knottingley at Halifax in the final of the Yorkshire Silver Trophy.

It is the second time in three seasons that Skipton have reached the final - last time they were beaten by Leeds Corinthians in a thrilling game.

Without being over-confident, there is reason to think that Skipton's name might be on the cup this time in their 125th anniversary season.

Back in 1912 Skipton won the Yorkshire Cup for a third time and, to mark the event, the county committee presented the club with a silver trophy.

In 1948 Skipton presented the cup back to the county to be awarded to the runners-up in the county cup and, ironically, were the first recipients. Fifty years on they will be looking to regain that trophy.

Skipton have already beaten Knottingley twice in the league - both times by narrow margins. The team has a large, aggressive pack and their Skipton counterparts need to subdue them.

The large pitch at Halifax is likely to suit the Skipton backs, who will use the pace of wingers Matt Wilson and Mike Beech, together with fullback George Smithson, at every opportunity.

Smithson has scored 29 tries this season and will be looking to increase that tally as he closes in on Charlie Branston's club record of 33 first team tries in the 1946-47 season.

New Zealander Ben Antonio, at No 8, has been a tower of strength all season and is sure to be a key player. He is currently second in the try scoring list with 16 tries.

Mike Beech has 15 tries while Darren Howson, who returned to the club after Christmas, has swiftly amassed 93 points.

Mark Davison has enjoyed a massive season in the forwards while Skipton supporters can hardly remember the last time Declan Hayes, assisted by props Neil King and Bob Birks, failed to win at least one scrum against the head during a match and his return has assisted the Skipton revival.

Back in late September, Skipton had lost their first three league games, were rooted to the bottom of the table and looked to be heading for another dismal year. The mixture of a couple of Kiwis, the return of a couple of players and a lot of hard work has worked wonders.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.