Yorkshire Division Three

Hornsea 5 Skipton 42

Skipton made the long journey to the Holderness club knowing that victory would secure their Division Three status and form a platform for next season's effort, writes Andy Rhodes.

Playing into a strong offshore wind ex-Beverley fly-half Martin Coulter settled the visitors' nerves with a try after five minutes.

After good work by scrum-half Adam Oldfield took play deep into home territory the Red eight produced excellent scrum ball for Coulter to show his qualities in breaking the home defence for a fine individual score.

Strong breaks by Mike Beech and Andy Porter almost led to further scores before the home side put together a period of pressure which was only relieved when fullback Dave Swinglehurst broke from defence and transferred play up to the Hornsea line.

The ensuing five-metre scrum was driven over for captain Winthrop to double the lead, but in near impossible kicking conditions Oldfield's conversion attempt was just wide of the upright.

Hornsea who before the game still had a mathematical chance of avoiding the drop raised their game just before half-time and a fine move ended with their left winger scoring in the corner to bring up a score of 10-5 at the break.

Within minutes of the restart the Skipton supporters were sensing a crucial victory as two fine lineout takes by lock Andy Phillip were converted into tries by strong forward drives, Winthrop and up and coming lock Paul Boynton being the scorers.

Moments later a penalty by Porter stretched the Red lead to 23-5.

With 20 minutes left prop Andy Newton made his seasonal debut and Mark Davison capped a fine display by scoring with a typical bulldozer drive from 10 yards out.

Minutes later Coulter added his second when chasing up a deft kick through by Oldfield who added the conversion.

And the scrum-half ended the scoring when combining with mobile prop Newton who used his weight to good effect in helping the young scrum-half over for a try which he duly converted.

This was a good all-round display by the Skipton team and one which takes the pressure off for the last two league games.

The first of these sees a repeat of the recent Yorkshire Silver Trophy Final as Leeds Corinthians visit Sandylands this Saturday, ko 3pm.

A large crowd is expected as the Reds seek compensation for the narrow defeat they suffered in the final.

This Sunday sees the 23rd annual Skipton Colts Sevens tournament at Sandylands, kicking off at 12 noon.

Over 20 clubs are competing in the event which is considered to be one of the best of its kind in the North.

Those playing include Broughton Park, West Hartlepool, Morley, Wharfedale, Otley, North Ribblesdale, Bradford and Bingley, West Park Bramhope and of course Skipton.

Spectators are advised to be there early as the event always attracts plenty of support.

Admission is £2, and £1 for pensioners and under 16s, and a full range of refreshments will be on sale.

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