Skipton 0, Heath 10 - A promotion push next season is all Skipton have left to look forward to after the lights went out on their Twickenham rugby union dream.

And rain was to blame as Skipton disappointingly failed to rise to the semi-final occasion and put in a below par performance when it mattered most against Yorkshire rivals Heath.

Almost a 1,000 fans turned out in the rain for the Powergen Junior Vase semi-final, but most of the cheering came from the Halifax visitors as the Reds ran out of ideas.

"When I saw the rain fall on the morning of the game, I knew things would be difficult," said coach Gerald Corrigan.

"We were looking to use our pacy backs and play quick pick and run rugby, but the conditions prevented that.

"You'd like to think that the Twickenham surface, had we got there, would have allowed us to play at our best. But it was not to be."

And the defeat left coach Corrigan left with a motivational problem for the rest of the season.

"We have about half-a-dozen games left," he said, the first of many consolatory beers in his hand.

"It might be difficult to raise the lads for those, but I have to, don't I?

"We just need to get the rest of this season out the way and then we are going to push hard for promotion next. There will be no Twickenham for us for a few years now, we had a chance and it has now gone.

"Losing against Heath should not detract from what this club has achieved over the last few years but I can't hide my disappointment."

He added that there was a "sombre atmosphere" in the dressing room after the game as the side realised their opportunity to grab their 15 minutes of fame had passed.

Despite being favourites, Skipton were the highest ranked team in the Junior Vase, Heath were the stronger side.

Led by giant Kiwi Manu Luke, who powered over in the opening minutes of Saturday's rain-soaked game, Heath played a clean and efficient game of flowing rugby.

They recycled ball quickly and their back row were in control throughout, punching holes in the Skipton defence at will.

The heavy playing surface limited the options for the Reds, who made some poor tactical decisions, often picking the wrong time to use the blindside.

A rolling maul let in Tom Garnett for the second try of the game and it was Heath who deservedly booked their place at the home of rugby on April 20.

"The better side won on the day," admitted Skipton secretary Andy Clark.

"It is bitterly disappointing but we wish Heath all the best in the final."