Langstaff scored 17 points as Skipton hit back to preserve unbeaten record at Ossett

by Simon Smith

SKIPTON come back from a half-time deficit to maintain their unbeaten record in Yorkshire Four.

A rare mistake from stand-off Matty Langstaff at the kick-off put the ball short of the 10 metre line but the scrum back was taken against the head by the visitors and gave an early indication of their forward dominance.

Ossett opened the scoring with an early penalty goal, followed by a converted try after persistent pressure and Skipton suddenly found themselves 10-0 down.

Skipton came straight back with some well-worked ball and gained a line-out in the corner. Well-taken ball by second-row Rick Wilshire lead to a forward drive but no points resulted.

Skipton used the same tactic twice more to no avail and from a penalty five yards out opted for the scrum from which No 8 Harry MacEneaney touched down for a push-over try. Ossett led 10-5 at the break.

From a Skipton scrum early in the second half Langstaff put a long-range kick into the corner. The ball was quickly re-cycled and Langstaff went over for Skipton's second try. Langstaff added the extra points himself.

Skipton then gained a penalty for Ossett not releasing. Langstaff put the ball into the corner and the forward drive from the line-out resulted in a further penalty.

The visitors again opted for the scrum and the ball went straight out to Langstaff who ran in under the posts. He added the extra points himself and the travelling supporters began to breath a little easier.

Their relief was short lived as Ossett clawed a converted try back midway through the second half from a midfield break.

Skipton's forward dominance then came to the fore as they took a series of scrums against the head with Langstaff pinning Ossett back on each occasion. Eventually, Skipton gained a penalty for Ossett handling on the ground which Langstaff converted to increase the visitors' lead.

An interception by flanker Tom Craven put centre Hamish Munro away but he was brought down just two yards short of the line, denying the visitors a bonus point for a fourth try.

In the final minutes Ossett received a yellow card for persistent offences at the break down. Langstaff put the ball into touch to end the game.