AIREBOROUGH returned to winning ways on Saturday after grinding out a tough 29-22 victory against a determined Skipton side.

Despite stodgy and windy conditions at Nunroyd Park, the Wolves secured the bonus point win, seeing them move up to 11th in the league.

A less than vintage performance, however saw both teams involved in a number of errors and penalties including Aire’s failure to restart, and Skipton’s off-side antics, which left the crowds watching tensely from the sidelines throughout.

However, despite Skipton being 3-0 up in the opening minutes, Aire soon went 21-3 up thanks to tries from Nick Jackson, Simon Hill and Lewis Myers and conversions by Nick Holdsworth.

Skipton soon fought back, breaking through weak tackles and reducing the deficit to 21-10, followed by a breakaway try against the run of play to put them in touch at 21-17 at half-time.

The wind may have favoured Skipton, but they soon found themselves back under pressure and giving away a penalty, pushing the score up to 24-17.

A promising fightback from Skipton saw the team manage to crash over the try line in the corner, but with the conversion missed Aire still had a narrow 24-22 lead.

After several close phases, Lewis Barrett set up a neat kick behind the Skipton backs, allowing man of the match Lewis Myers to pounce for the bonus point try, extending Aire’s lead to 29-22.

Heroic defence by Aire, and exceptional repelling from Lewis Eastwood and Jamie Sykes in particular, meant the score remained unchanged until the final whistle blew.

Aire head coach Si Davies said: “The lads' attack throughout the game was brilliant. They are gelled as a team and it’s paying off on the field.

“As a team, our defence was weak in parts though, and we need to work on that ahead of our next game.

“Despite the result, Skipton played exceptionally which made the game a real enjoyment for players and supporters.”

Aireborough will travel away to Leeds Corinthians for their next game on March 23 after a week off.