North Ribblesdale unable to turn the tide as Bridlington coast to Yorkshire One victory

Ribb made the long journey to the East Coast knowing that any point or points would help their precarious position at the foot of the league table.

As the final results suggest, Ribb were just not good enough, though it was only in the last few minutes that Bridlington made sure of the win by scoring two converted tries. Up to then Ribb were always on contention, but again struggled in the scrums, mainly due to Brid's bigger pack. It was in the rucks, mainly out wide, where Brid dominated. Ribb just could not get sufficient players to the second phase breakdown to contest the ball.

So, after a fairly even first 20 minutes, Brid took advantage of Ribb's indiscipline and the penalty was converted. Ribb were winning plenty of possession through strong line-out play and their own scrum ball, but Brid went further in front when Ribb went off-side at a ruck. Then Ribb managed to influence the scoreboard when Moon converted a penalty after strong runs by Moore and Bolland. Any ruck ball that Ribb managed to win was so slow that kicking the ball away was the only option. Brid applied more pressure and after a few driving mauls near the Ribb line, managed to score wide out.

Powerful runs by Will Thwaite and Matt Spears were well supported by Moon and Bolland and the pressure on Brid saw them go off-side and Moon reduced Brid's lead with another penalty. However, just before the break Ribb conceded a penalty which Brid converted.

The half time score was 14-6 so Ribb were well placed to stay in the game, but Brid increased their lead after weak defence saw them camped in Ribb's 22 metre area. Ribb repelled several driving mauls but the pressure was too much and a further penalty was conceded.

Ribb at last increased their work rate and after several driving mauls, Matt Spears was driven over to score wide out. Ribb were truly in the driving seat and good work by their outside backs took them near Brid's line but again the lack of players to the breakdown saw Brid clear their lines.

So, with ten minutes left, Ribb's short-lived dominance expired with the setting sun. It is imperative that Ribb find a way to get sufficient players to the breakdown. It is disappointing that valuable possession is being lost, especially with the likes of Moon, Bolland, Moore and Richards in the threequarters who have the ability to break down most defences with quality ball.