Skipton put up a spirited performance against the league leaders Hemsworth and matched a strong side for long periods before losing 50-13, writes Andy Rhodes.

The visitors started in fine form and after producing some good defensive work, notably by the back row of Binns, Wood and Simon Millichap, who was making his league debut at flanker, they took the lead via a Howson penalty on 22 minutes.

This lead was short-lived however as Hemsworth worked the ball out to their left winger on halfway and he showed a clean pair of heels to the Red defence to give his side the lead. Then the visitors allowed Hemsworth to score two converted tries in the next 10 minutes before they realised that the game was running away from them and again went on the offensive.

Hemsworth demonstrated just before half-time what a good side they are at turning defence into attack when their forwards turned over Red possession in their own '22' and a succession of moves resulted in the left winger scoring his second try to give the home side a 24-3 half-time lead.

The second half began with Skipton in the mood for a comeback, and fine running by Howson and Wood made room for Ian Sneddon to cut in from the left wing to score a good try.

Unfortunately the Reds could not sustain this level of play, and as the half wore on Hemsworth got on top and scored three more tries via their left winger who finished with five in all and another try via their fullback. Three of these tries were converted to give them a 50-8 lead.

To their credit Skipton never let their heads drop and in fact finished on top with a Davison try, the scoreline being very flattering to the home side.

Mention must be made of the Skipton back row who showed great tenacity throughout the game, while fly-half Darren Howson once again gave a good all-round display and captain Neil King led by example.

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