Wath-upon-Dearne 15 North Ribblesdale 24

Ribb’s topsy-turvy season continues after their depleted side defeated Wath in the Yorklshire Shield on a heavy pitch which should have suited their opponents.

The dominant second-row pair of Russell Ingham and Sam Boatwright were missing so flanker Tom Stead and Will Thwaite deputised and played a big part in the victory as they ruled the line-out and locked the scrum.

The other dominant forward was number eight Ryan Kirkbride who put in a storming performance. He tackled hard and carried well as he provided a focal point for the Ribb forward effort .

The backs tackled well and kept the home midfield quiet and their second-half kicking game was critical.

Ribb played down the slope in the first half were soon on the attack forcing a penalty for offside.

Jonathan Richard dragged the kick wide, as he found it difficult to anchor his non-kicking foot in the heavy mud.

Wath opened the scoring when they opted to kick a penalty into the corner. They gained possession from the line-out and an effective rolling maul saw prop Ben Myers score a try which Tom Quinn converted.

Wath then had their best spell of the game, driving Ribb back as they utilised the strong breeze.

Ribb did well to restrict Wath to a single penalty from Quinn before half-time as the pounded at their line.

The pressure was only relieved by powerful runs from Kirkbride and Matt Speres off turnover ball.

Ribb’s midfield of Steve Moon, Will Davidson and Richards were solid in defence and active in the tackle area.

They managed to slow the ball down which enabled Ribb’s flankers Nathan Dakin and Chris Heap to turnover possession.

Ribb opened their account before half-time. Kirkbride made a storming run from a ball turned over by Dakin, and precise passing put James Wallbank clear for an unconverted try.

They continued the good work in the second half. Their kick and chase game was far better and a long kick from Davidson forced Wath to put the ball out of play.

Ribb won the line-out and set up a maul which saw Stead get the touchdown. Richards’ conversion put his side 12-10 up. From the restart Ribb secured the ball and put it behind the home defence.

Thwaite won line-out ball, Davidson made a half break and when Kirkbride was halted just short of the line the ball was scrambled away for another line-out.

Wath’s escape proved short lived. Quick ball from the line-out saw Speres power to the line for an unconverted try.

Ribb were now in control and when Richards pierced the stretched defence for a converted try, Ribb led 24-10.

Wath were not finished and prompted by their fine scrum half Joe Bartlett they began to rumble down the field.

Ribb’s defence coped well with the powerful Wath eight even when flankers Heap and Dakin were sin binned to leave them with 13 men in the closing minutes.

Eventually numbers told and Steve Mason was put clear in the corner to score an unconverted try. It was too little too late to prevent a deserved Ribb win.

Another tough game is in prospect for Ribb on Saturday at Ilkley.

Ribb seconds had a good win at Otliensians, they were depleted but they put in a good forward performance and won 23-12 with tries by Allan Newhouse , Sam Adnett and a storming run from halfway by Dean Stacey.