NORTH Ribblesdale made the trip to south Leeds on the back of a resounding home win in their previous match.

Corinthians started with the slope and elements in their favour and in inclement conditions kicked an early penalty to go in front. After that the Ribb forwards got on top with their scrummage to the fore especially Matty Close who gave his opposite number a torrid afternoon.

Ribb spurned several easy penalty chances as they built constant pressure in the Corinthians 22 and eventually after the home side were penalised for incessant back chat to the steadfast referee Ribb number eight Alex Dew got a try after Ribb heaved the home side over from a close-range scrum with Michael Thwaite adding the extras. Corinthians only reward for a foray into Ribb territory was another penalty to give Ribb a 7-6 interval lead.

With the elements now in their favour, Ribbs’ pack took complete control and with the introduction of coach Tom Davidson playing into the corners pressure was building.

Ribb scored four tries without reply with another pushover from skipper Alex Dew, Winger Simon Bolland scorching over, teenager Callum Mathew scoring his third in two games and William Davidson scoring before he had to withdraw with a worrying knock to the head. Scrum half Michael Thwaite added the extras three times to give the visitors an unassailable 33 - 6 lead.

Corinthians got a last-minute breakaway consolation try but were still second best all afternoon to a dominant set of Ribblesdale forwards. Adam Middleton worked tirelessly along with Jim Mallalieu-Black in the forwards and Bolland, Davidson and coach Tom Davidson were stand outs in a domineering second half.

This week sees second placed Yarnbury visit Grove Park in what is expected to be a tight affair, but a win could see Ribb leapfrog their opponents into second place as this exciting team try to build momentum towards a promotion push.