North Ribblesdale show promise despite Yorkshire Shield defeat at Doncaster Phoenix

North Ribblesdale made an early exit from the Yorkshire Shield but provided their followers with plenty to cheer about.

Many had predicted a heavy defeat and that didn’t materialise even when Ribb lost Ethan Henare with a broken arm and Sam Boatwright to a twisted knee.

Ribb showed a little too much respect for their hosts in the early stages and found themselves 14-0 down.

Skipper Jonathan Richards roused his side and they reduced the deficit before the break when Matt Speres made a sharp blind side break to put David Fox in for an unconverted try .

Ribb lost Henare and Boatwright early in the second half and conceded another try, before Fox and Speres put winger Simon Bolland clear for a score.

The visitors were shading the forward exchanges but a poorly directed chip proved costly as Doncaster scored a converted try.

Again Ribb hit back and reduced the deficit when Bolland scored a long-range try which Richards converted.

In the closing minutes a well deserved Bolland try from long range was converted by Richards.

SATURDAY’S FIXTURES
National League One: Hartpury College v Wharfedale, Coventry v Rosslyn Park, Darlington MP v Blaydon, Ealing v Loughborough Students, Esher v Cinderford, Fylde v Blackheath, Macclesfield v Richmond, Tynedale v Old Albanian.

Yorkshire One: Bridlington v. Middlesbrough, Doncaster Phoenix v Malton and Norton, Heath v. Hullensians, Selby v Scarborough, Wath Upon Dearne v Pontefract, Yarnbury v Old Brodleians, York v North Ribblesdale.
Yorkshire Four: Hornsea v Skipton, Leeds Corinthians v Knaresborough, Mosborough v Halifax Vandals, Sheffield Oaks v Halifax, Wensleydale v. York RI, Wetherby v Ossett.