THE loyal bunch of Skipton Rugby Club members who braved the wet and windy weather to ensure the home match against Thornensians last Saturday was played were rewarded as the Reds notched one of their biggest wins in recent years.

Despite wretched conditions far from conducive to open rugby, Skipton's backs had a field day as the hosts clocked up 74 points without reply in a flowing display.

Coach Gavin Hindle paid tribute to the hardy souls who arrived at Sandylands at 8am to drain water from the pitch to ensure it was playable.

"The victory was their's really as they worked damned hard to get the game on," he said.

The victory was the perfect start to the new year as the Reds look to join the promotion pacesetters in Yorkshire Three.

Hindle added: "Everything we'd worked on over Christmas came to fruition. We thought it would be a low-scoring game in view of the weather, but we ended up making our highest score this season.

"We spun the ball out wide where the likes of Grant and Dave Litt and Paul Lacy were able to make the most of the space."

Hindle also credited his forwards for their dominance up front. "It was a case of the forwards earning the money and the backs spending it."

Skipton will not have it quite so easy this Saturday when they entertain North Two East side Malton and Norton in the second round of the Yorkshire Shield.

Only two seasons ago, the sides were playing in the same league. But relegation for the Reds and three successive promotions for Malton has seen both clubs' fortunes contrast significantly in recent years.

"Malton will be a completely different kettle of fish and they will not break down in one or two phases," said Hindle.

But he added: "The lads will be on a high and going in as underdogs which is often the better way. We'll throw everything at them and see how they cope. Anything can happen in a cup tie."