Resolve is key for Ribb as they halt comeback (From Craven Herald)

Resolve is key for Ribb as they halt comeback

7:45pm Wednesday 31st March 2010 in

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North Ribblesdale 36 Doncaster Phoenix 24

Doncaster came to play in what was the best game at Ribb since the pre-Twickenham semi-final.

The crowd, who included a large number of visitors, were treated to an immense struggle between Yorkshire Division Two sides who played thrilling rugby.

The result was in doubt until the last minute when Stephen Moon, who had a fine game, gleefully seized an interception to put Ribb out of reach.

But the last ten minutes were nailbiting as Doncaster came from 29-12 to 29-24.

At the time they were pounding Ribb’s defence only for stubborn resolve to keep them out.

Ribb then forced them into their own 22 and Moon did the rest.

Doncaster started very quickly, their fly half Storey, who gave a masterclass in ball distribution, putting centre Sykes, who is both speedy and muscular, through for a converted try.

Shocked at this affront, Ribb drove at the Doncaster posts, Kirkbride getting behind the opposition. From the resultant scrum, Moimoi stepped his man and slipped past the full back to put Topham in for a try, converted by Moon.

Doncaster came roaring back, with Storey releasing his back line at every opportunity.

Ribb conceded more line breaks in this game than they had for a month.

Chapman, however, was in prime defensive form and repeatedly knocked back the last man.

He was soon in action in attack and made 40 yards with a spirited run on the left wing.

It was Moimoi again who sprang the defence with a quick loop which created the extra man on the left for a deserved score by Chapman.

Doncaster responded with another unconverted try by Clarke, and Moon finished off the first-half scoring with a penalty.

The players needed their half-time respite but they did not get a rest in the second half, which continued at breakneck pace.

Ribb, in the ascendancy, got further scores through Carr and Spensley to make it 29-12. Inside the last 20 minutes, however, Phoenix got tries from Neal and Con-way, Neal’s effort being con-verted.

Many sides would have folded after this but not Ribb.

Moon kicked them into the visitors’ 22 and, knowing they were going to run the ball, he intercepted to score, leaving the crowd on the balcony in ecstacy. Heroes for Ribb included second rows Dugdale and Clay, the front row, Kirkbride, Carr, Heap, Chapman, Bolland and Moon.

Ribb’s last home game is on Saturday against West Leeds.