Yorkshire Division One: North Ribblesdale 13 York 57

ALTHOUGH North Ribblesdale battled manfully all afternoon, the size, pace and power of an impressive York outfit were far too good for them and they were outscored by seven tries to one.

Ribb went into the game missing influential three-quarters Simon Bolland and Jonathan Richards.

Also, early in the game, injuries to Adam Middleton and Matt Speres didn't help their cause.

Both sides tried to play expansive rugby but, in deteriorating conditions, the route-one option was probably the right way to make ground.

After half-an-hour, Ribb were still in the game at 7-6 down, Michael Thwaite kicking two penalties.

Then cracks started to appear in the Ribb defence, and York scored two further tries before half-time to lead 19-6.

York scored just after the interval, and further scores by the visitors came at regular intervals.

However, Ribb did manage a touchdown when, from a powerful scrum, Jake Nowell came in from his wing to score between the posts, with Michael Thwaite converting.

It is difficult to compete against a side who are so much bigger and quicker but there is no excuse for weak tackling, and sometimes no defence at all.

It will be difficult for Ribb to find players with size and pace but their defence - i.e. tackling - can easily be rectified.