08/06/2026
RFU North Plate Final
Skipton 37 : 10 Meden Vale
by Simon Smith
A sizeable crowd of supporters travelled across to West Park Leeds to watch Skipton lift their second trophy in two years, and their first major trophy in 26 years, with a five try win over Meden Vale.
Early exchanges saw play go back and forth as nerves settled. A great tactical kick through by skipper Josh Nkwo saw Skipton pick up a penalty in Meden Vale's 22. They opted for a scrum and No. 8 Alex Bowdler was over for Skipton's opening try. Full-back Hamish Munro added the extras.
Skipton were soon back in Meden Vale's 22 from the re-start and opted for the scrum again from a penalty. Ho**er Charlie Brown was over in the corner but adjudged in touch. Skipton were relentless, pinning Vale back in their own 22 and a brilliantly timed move by Nkwo saw him in under the posts for Skipton's second try. Munro again added the extras, and a penalty goal a few minutes later to bring Sipton's tally to 17. Vale clawed back a penalty of their own in reply. Skipton were over again in the corner but a knock-on denied the try.
Swift hands from Vale saw them over for a converted try just before half-time and the sides turned round at 17-10 in Skipton's favour.
Skipton extended their lead with an early Munro penalty for a Vale infringement at the scrum. Jordan Wilson and Andy Wooler replaced Craig Spencer and Alex Bowdler on the 52 minute mark. Vale then collected a yellow card for repeated infringements at the break down. Munro put the ball into touch and, after many phases of play from the line-out, a great break from Nkwo put Munro over in the corner for try number three. The conversion attempt was wide.
Skipton winger Andy Maclean was unlucky to pick up a yellow card for a high tackle. Jarrett Lord and Rick Willsher replaced Steve Carroll and Harry McEneaney in the Skipton pack on 75 minutes. After a superb break by back-row Ed Harrison, who worked tirelessly all game, the ball was shipped to Andy Wooler who had a clear run to the line for try number four, to put Skipton 30-10 ahead.
Alex Cruise-Brown and Silas Holden replaced Jake Emmison and Tom Lacey in the dying minutes and after one minute on the pitch Holden was over for Skipton's fifth try. Munro converted to give a final score of 37-10 to Skipton, to the delight of the travelling spectators. The celebrations went on late into the night at the club's annual awards presentations that evening.
