Skipton 11 Colne and Nelson 7

After a scrappy start Colne and Nelson began to show why they are a promotion side as their forwards created good positions with some excellent close-quarter mauling.

On one occasion after an attempted clearance kick by Skipton had been charged down only fine covering by Matt Eccles prevented a Colne and Nelson score.However within minutes of this the visitors opened the scoring when a typical rolling maul led to their No 8 lunging over for a converted try.

The Reds continued to find themselves on the back foot and fine work by Mike Beech and captain Adam Winthrop prevented further scores.

Just before the interval a fine break from defence by Kieran Coe well supported by Eccles led to Beech stretching his legs but he was hauled up just short of the line.

Baden Burns was introduced into the action at the break and within minutes of the restart Beech took advantage of excellent recycled ball by the forwards to maintain his place at the head of the try-scoring table with an unconverted try.

Andy Phillip joined the proceedings after 50 minutes and with Mark Davison taking good lineout ball the Reds gained territorial advantage and an offside offence gave Andy Porter the opportunity to add three points and put Skipton ahead.

And with the Red pack rampant and Colne and Nelson pinned back he added another penalty. The visitors came back at the end but resolute defence kept them out.

For the Reds flankers Robbie King and Simon Millichap were the pick of the team

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