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Skipton finish pre-season with demolition of Stockport
Skipton 59 Stockport A XV 0
Skipton completed their preparations for the new season with a nine-try demolition of a hard worked and willing but limited Stockport second string.
The tries were spread around the team with scores coming from Jonathan Richards (2), Daniel Hattingh, Chris Sheehan, Will Green, James Riches, Liam Ray, Sam Boatwright and Matthew Boatwright with Martin Thomsen converting seven.
Most attention was on this season's new recruits and also the young Skiptonians trying to break into the first team.
Stand-off Thomsen had a highly satisfactory and dynamic debut mixing play astutely and putting width and pace on the ball wherever possible.
Richards brought solidity and guile to the midfield and took his chances well and full back Kyle Langdon showed great awareness of field position to launch attacks as the visitors tired in the second half.
Daniel Hattingh had an immediate impact showing strength and determination to score within seconds of coming on as a blood replacement. Of the young Skipton players No 8 Martin Murray was a handful all afternoon taking the ball into and through contact, Will Green used his pace well to score his try and Alex Whittock was sound in attack and defence.
Skipton's swarming defence pressured Stockport throughout creating turnover ball in the tackle and they showed a refreshing willingness to run the ball from deep.
The line-out functioned efficiently and the scrum, after a couple of initial wobbles, dominated their opponents.
Less pleasing was a tendency to rush things in the final quarter of the field when a greater accuracy of pass and a more clinical attitude would have created further scores.
As down to earth coach Paul Lacy said after the game it was a satisfactory performance but emphasised that one result does not make them world-beaters.
Improvement will be needed if they are to succeed against far tougher opponents to come when the competitive season starts on Saturday.
4:58pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008
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