Skirlaugh Produce Second-Half Masterclass to Down Bentley

Skirlaugh produced a superb second-half display to overturn a six-point half-time deficit and claim a deserved 30-16 victory away at Bentley.

It was a sluggish opening from the visitors, with too many handling errors handing Bentley early field position. After defending four consecutive sets on their own line, Skirlaugh’s resistance was eventually broken as the Bentley back-rower powered over from close range to give the hosts a 6-0 lead. As the half wore on, Skirlaugh began to settle into the game and build pressure through improved field position. A powerful 20-metre carry from Matty Shepherdson laid the platform for an excellent backline move involving Keiran Smith, Josh Smith and Tom Gray, before the ball found Matty King, who finished brilliantly in the corner. Josh Smith produced an outstanding touchline conversion to level the scores.

Bentley responded well and regained the lead when a clever grubber kick was collected out wide for a try in the corner, restoring their six-point advantage. Skirlaugh hit back just before the break through an excellent piece of pressure football. A towering spiral bomb from Keiran Smith was spilled by the Bentley winger under pressure from captain Josh Atkinson, with Smith quickest to react and dive on the loose ball for the try. Smith was unable to add the conversion, leaving Bentley with a narrow 12-10 advantage at half-time.

The second half was a completely different story as Skirlaugh clicked into gear and dominated proceedings. Impact substitute Freddie Watts turned the game on its head with two outstanding tries. His first came after another strong break from Matty Shepherdson, who found the supporting Watts on the inside to race away untouched beneath the posts. By this stage Marcus Hall, Leo Tennison and Keane Dearlove were ripping through the Bentley defence, consistently winning the collision and laying the platform for repeat attacks.

Watts grabbed his second in spectacular fashion after spotting the Bentley full-back out of position, executing a perfectly weighted chip-and-chase from 30 metres to collect and score for a superb individual effort. Josh Smith added the conversion.

Skirlaugh were now firmly in control. Strong carries from Barney Fishwick, Jack Taylor and debutant Harvey Dickson caused Bentley all sorts of problems, while the defence continued to set the tone. On 65 minutes, Leo Tennison produced arguably the moment of the game with a thunderous tackle that forced Bentley backwards and handed possession straight back to Skirlaugh. The visitors capitalised immediately. Marcus Hall burst 35 metres through the middle before producing a brilliant one-handed offload for Tom Gray to race away and score. Josh Smith converted before later adding a penalty goal to extend Skirlaugh’s advantage.

There were still chances to add further points, with Keane Dearlove unfortunate not to ground a kick through after an awkward bounce denied him with the try line at his mercy, while Tom Gray was also denied a second try after losing control of the ball as he attempted to score. Bentley had the final say with a late consolation try, but it did little to take the shine off an outstanding second-half performance from Skirlaugh, who showed composure, physicality and attacking quality to run out deserved 30-16 winners.

Man of the Match: Keiran Smith

Ex-Players’ Man of the Match: Leo Tennison

Dave Saltmer Man of the Match: Harvey Dickson

Try Scorers
🏉 Matty King
🏉 Freddie Watts (2)
🏉 Tom Gray
🏉 Kieran Smith

Goals:
🎯 Josh Smith 4/5 conversions,
🎯 Josh Smith 1/1 Penalty

Head Coach Matt Danville

"It was a really pleasing result, but probably even more pleasing was the way we responded after a difficult first half. We were nowhere near our standards in the opening 40 minutes. Our discipline, our ball control and the amount of possession we handed over put us under pressure, and against good sides you can't keep inviting them onto your line like that."

"At half-time there was no panic. We knew we hadn't played anywhere near our best, yet we were only two points behind. The message was simple – complete our sets, earn field position and trust what we've been working on. To the lads' credit, they came out after the break and produced one of our best 40-minute performances of the season."

"Our middle unit was outstanding. Marcus Hall, Leo Tennison, Matty Shepherdson and Keane Dearlove really got us on the front foot, while Barney Fishwick, Jack Taylor and Harvey Dickson all made a huge impact with their carries. Once we started winning the ruck, we looked a completely different side."

"Freddie Watts changed the game when he came on. His energy, work rate and instinct around the ball were outstanding, and both of his tries came from backing himself and supporting the play. Keiran Smith was excellent all afternoon and thoroughly deserved the Man of the Match award. He controlled the game well, competed for everything and his kicking game caused Bentley plenty of problems."

"I also want to mention Harvey Dickson. To come into open-age rugby and play with that level of confidence says a lot about him. He's worked incredibly hard for his opportunity, and I thought he handled himself brilliantly."

"We've spoken all year about being a team that keeps improving, and the second half showed what we're capable of when we stick to our processes. That's the benchmark now."

"The attention now turns to what is a huge occasion for everyone connected with Skirlaugh. Thatto Heath are a fantastic side from two leagues above us, and we know the challenge ahead. e have nothing to fear if we prepare properly and play with the same commitment and intensity we showed in that second half. It's a brilliant opportunity for this group to test themselves, and one we're all looking forward to."