Ribb go down fighting

NORTH Ribblesdale made the arduous journey to Bridlington knowing they were already relegated and having to face a side that required victory to secure the champions' slot (writes Gavin Davidson).

Having beaten Brid at home last December in a brutal encounter, Ribb knew exactly what to expect.

Ribb were first on the scoresheet with stand-off Martin Hughes kicking an early penalty although a couple of rolling mauls that took play deep into Ribb territory was to set the standard for a lively encounter that threatened to degenerate into a brawl on a couple of occasions but thankfully never did.

Dean Stacey and William Garth were both winning good lineout ball but after 15 minutes from a Bridlington lineout on Ribb's 22 metre line, a powerful rolling maul was driven all the way to the Ribb line for second row Shannon to score, converted by Neil Arton.

A carbon copy of the try was scored by prop Simon Coward, again converted by Arton, and the writing was on the wall at 14-3 down.

Ribb dug in however and Brid's only other scores of the first half were a well struck penalty from Martin Hughes and a converted try from full back and captain Paul Medforth to leave Ribb trailing 21- 6 at the break.

With a slight breeze at their backs, Ribblesdale took the game to Brid and although the try line was never really threatened, two penalty kicks from Hughes brought Ribb to within nine points.

A third try from a rolling maul and a late penalty were Bridlington's only second half scores and although a further two penalties brought Ribb to 26-18 at one stage, the difference between the sides was purely the home side's ability with the rolling maul. Surely they will need more steel next season in North Two East.

For Ribblesdale it was the end of their first straight relegation in 15 seasons of league rugby. However, if the spirit showed on Saturday remains for the beckoning Yorkshire Two then a quick return to this very competitive league is certainly not beyond them.