North Ribblesdale 9 Bridlington 11

THIS Yorkshire One match was a cracker. Despite the low scores and conditions the teams fought it out toe to toe with the result in doubt until the last minute.

Second-placed Bridlington deserved their narrow win as they had the better line-out which was critical in the conditions.

But Ribb will rue the wholly unnecessary penalty they conceded under their own post to give the visitors the winning points.

Bridlington started brightly and looked to have opened the scoring when they created an extra man in midfield, but the try was ruled out for obstruction.

The first score wasn't long coming. Jack Arthur's penalty was reward for an enterprising start from the visitors.

Ribb weathered the early pressure and their lighter pack gradually took a grip on the scrums. The home side had the better of the exchanges for the remainder of the first half, but Bridlington's dominance at the line-out was to prove a real thorn in their side.

Steven Moon levelled the scores from a penalty after Simon Bolland was stopped close to the line following good work in the loose by John Padley and a forceful run from Johnny Moore.

Brid attempted to up their game but found the tigerish midfield of Moore and Jonathan Richards and inpenetrable barrier.

Moon edged Ribb ahead with a penalty from wide out on the ten metre line. It was not the best struck effort but it sneaked over via the crossbar and post.

Fifteen minutes later he got another easier shot and Ribb were 9-3 up.

The next phase of the game was critical as Brid got on top in the forwards and denied Moon the possession to kick behind their back line.

Brid forced onto the defensive but despite some fierce driving they could not get over the line.

Finally, scrum half Otis Floyd chipped over the defence and Jamie Martin won the race to the touchdown as the ball squirted off the greasy pitch.

The game was still there to be won. Brid had the edge and used possession to kick down field where they won a Ribb line-out and drove for the post.

The excellent Padley turned the ball over but Ribb gave away a penalty in the easiest locations to allow Arthur to edge Brid ahead.

With ten minutes to go Ribb set about winning the game. They used their backs to force Brid into their own half and stretched the visitors defence without being able to secure the score they needed.

Brid were relieved to keep their unbeaten record and Ribb deserved their bonus point after a cracking match,