North Ribblesdale 74 Heath 20

NORTH Ribblesdale added impetus to their push to avoid relegation with one of their biggest-ever league wins at Grove Park on Saturday.

They remain bottom of the table but are now just five points adrift of Pontefract and Hullensians, the two teams immediately above them in the Yorkshire One table.

Ribb dominated the scrum and were efficient in the line-out which meant they had a stream of possession with which to exploit the searing pace of their back three.

For once the conditions were ideal. The pitch was dry and firm and there was little wind to trouble the players,

Ribb opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Mick Thwaite’s penetrating kick forced a knock on.

Heath were penalised at the resulting scrum and Alex Naylor landed the goal.

It was Naylor who extended the lead when he ran in the first of Ribb’s tries and added the conversion to make the score 10-0.

Ribb’s dominance forced another penalty which was kicked to the corner.

The line-out was won and Will Thwaites and Sam Boatwright combined to put Mick Carr over for a try near the posts which Naylor converted.

Heath enjoyed a spell of pressure and opened their account with a penalty as Ribb were caught offside.

Ribb responded with a superb try. Ribb moved the ball to the blindside where Adam Whaites came into the line at pace and sent David Fox racing in from halfway for a try. Heath’s kick off was won by Andrew Thwaite who moved the ball to Simon Bolland who raced away for his first try of the game.

Ribb maintained their grip on the game and a further ten minutes of Ribb pressure ended with Matt Speres making a strong run which led to a try for Nathan Dakin which Naylor converted.

Heath were struggling to contain the home side. If they defended wide to cut off the supply to the back three, Ribb drove at the half backs.

There was some respite for Heath when they scored a second converted try.

Bolland is a formidable runner and he enjoyed the opportunities created by the vision and pace of Whaites. The pair were well supported by the pacy Fox.

Captain Bolland scores three further tries to take his personal tally to four, while Naylor took his points haul to 24.

Ribb know that there is a lot of hard work ahead if they are to avoid relegation, but this win should have done wonders for both their morale and points difference.

If they can maintain this sort of form they should win all their home games and a large proportion of their away fixtures. It is important that they play with common sense and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

It is up to senior players to impose some discipline. Ribb have no game this week and their next fixture is at home to fourth-bottom Old Brodleians on February 21 where they will be looking to continue their escape bid.