REPORT BY: DUNCAN BROWN

NORTH Ribblesdale travelled to Yarnbury hoping to build on their solid performance at home last Saturday but unfortunately, they put in an error strewn display and were beaten 34-7.

Ribb were soon behind as the lively home fullback scythed through the defence to score in the corner and after a Ribb attack the ball was knocked. From there, the alert Yarnbury back line spun the ball out and errors in the backline saw the lead increase to 12-0 in the home side’s favour. To compound things Ribbs talisman Alex Dew had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.

The visitors finally got a foothold in the home side’s 22 but a miss placed pass saw the home winger intercept and ran in unopposed under the posts to make it 19-0 and a penalty at the breakdown saw the home ten put it over to make the halftime score 22-0.

Ribb began the second half well, but stubborn home defence kept them at bay, the day wasn’t improving for the visitors as they picked up three more injuries, with the trio having to leave the field.

Yarnbury scored two more tries, with one being converted to make the score the 34-0. The last 20 minutes Ribb stirred themselves and finally strung some phases together and wing Liam Wallbank scored a fine try in the corner which was expertly converted by Michael Thwaite from the touch line.

The game ended with Ribb on the attack but the slicker handling home backs proved to be the difference and took advantage of the chances presented to them and deserved their 34-7 success.

Ribb can take encouragement from their improvement in the last 20 minutes but with injuries beginning to mount Coach Andy Davidson has plenty to mull over.

On a brighter note the Ribb Stags had a fine win against a Yarnbury thirds 33-10.

Ribb go again on Saturday with the 1st XV travelling some distance to take on Northallerton and the Stags play at home to Ilkley 3rds.