North Ribblesdale 8 Old Brodleians 22

NORTH Ribblesdale fluffed a last-minute chance to snatch a try and the chance of a bonus point which could prove costly in their battle to avoid relegation from Yorkshire One.

They created the sort of two on one opportunity that should be bread and butter for players at this level.

It was particularly frustrating because Ribb had found Brodleians' resolute defence a formidable barrier all game.

The home side will also reflect on the countless penalties they gave away through indiscipline – including backchat to the referee – and the four penalties they missed.

Ribb, fresh from their morale-boosting 15-5 win over Hullensians, needed a couple of crunching tackles from Jonathan Richards to resist some early Brods pressure.

Ribb gradually settled into the game with young second row Will Booth again securing good line-out ball.

They were unable to make it count because they could not penetrate the visitors' strong midfield defence.

Possession from the ruck was slow and was a problem all game.

A string of penalties enabled Ribb to pen Ribb back and their rolling maul became a key feature of their play and led to their first try.

Hopes that Ribb could gain a foothold in their opponents' half were frustrated by their habit of getting on the wrong side of the referee.

The pattern of the game was set and Brods conceded two more tries to trail 15-0 at the break.

Ribb hoped that the advantage of the win would enable them to fightback.

They were boosted by an early penalty from Mick Thwaite after Brods were caught offside.

The influential Matt Speres was sin binned. His absence was pounced on by Brods as they used good line-out ball to trigger a flowing backs move which brought them a converted try.

Ribb were finally rewarded for their efforts when flanker Mick Carr scored a try. They continued to press, but the deficit was too great.

Ribb were not going to win by bashing the ball up in the centre and their slow recycling simply allowed the defence to reorganise.

They could have got something from the game and anything is welcome in this tight bottom of the table but they must take their chances.