Bolland's treble is top for Ribb as they climb out of relegation zone

NORTH Ribblesdale are out of the relegation zone after securing their fourth-successive win.

The Settle side knew that a defeat to their fellow strugglers would seriously damage their survival hopes and they approached the task with confidence.

Ribb were soon setting the tone for the match. Nathan Dakin was winning ball at the breakdown with Sam Boatwright and Matt Speres driving at the heart of the Pontefract defence.

The opening score came after the forwards drove up to the 22. The ball was quickly spread wide and the flourishing Simon Bolland skinned his opposite number to score an impressive try.

Ribb had the bit between their teeth and exerted more forward pressure with Willy Garth making a total nuisance of himself in the tight and Michael Carr getting in thick of the action.

Close drives to the line resulted in a brace of unconverted tries for the talismanic Speres in response to a sole penalty from Glenn Boyd that left Ribb 15-3 in front at the interval.

Pontefract seemed dispirited and Ribb took advantage. The prolific Bolland took his tally of tries to eight in the last three games with a brace.

His partnership with full back Adam Whaites is paying dividends and Ribb certainly look like a side on the up. Their pacy back three are a threat to any side.

Alex Naylor added two conversions and a penalty to complete the scoring. This was an assured performance against a struggling side.

A few basic errors did not detract from another fine team performance. The recent turnaround is all about a team ethic and plying for each other.

The coaching team are to be congratulated in their contribution to recent results following a difficult first two thirds of the season.

Confidence is high and Ribb are playing a style of rugby that is great to watch and should attract more people to Grove Park.

Next up are Scarborough who are having a good season and play in an attractive style. An open game is anticipated this Saturday.