YORKSHIRE ONE North Ribblesdale 7 Bridlington 45 by Gavin Davidson

UNBEATEN Yorkshire One leaders Bridlington arrived at Grove Park knowing a win would see them complete the first half of the season with a perfect record.

The seasiders are a big strong side containing seven southern hemisphere players so it was always going to be a difficult afternoon for the home side.

The opening minutes were fairly even but Bridlington steamrollered the first scrum and centre Jamie George went in under the posts.

Excellent winger Gary Stevens soon went in for his 18th try of the season while Kiwi outside half Ryan Kepia landed both conversions.

At 14-0 it looked ominous but the Ribb side, shorn of several senior players, dug in and competed well.

Richard Wood led by example with his tackling while Martins Bokiss looked dangerous from full back. Bridlington enjoyed plenty of possession but simply couldn’t force their way over the line again before the break.

Ribb started the second half brightly and skipper Jonny Moore robbed a Bridlington forward in the tackle and burst clear from his own 22.

Despite the close attendance of two chasers his searing pace saw him all the way to the line. Michael Thwaite’s conversion meant Ribb were suddenly in the game against the odds.

Bridlington were stung into action with winger Stevens getting his second try after a kick and chase to give his side some breathing space.

As the game entered the last quarter Ribb’s defence was finally breached a further four times for Bridlington to run out comfortable winners 45-7.

The visitors are a class side who will probably win the league undefeated.

In contrast, Ribb face two big games in successive weeks against fellow strugglers.

They visit lowly Yarnbury on Saturday before hosting Acklam on December 17.