Driffield pack too much power for North Ribb (From Craven Herald)

Driffield pack too much power for North Ribb

12:53pm Thursday 15th September 2011 in North Ribblesdale By Andrew Mills

North Ribblesdale 16 Driffield 35

Driffield have been propelling themselves up the leagues in recent years and on the evidence of this display another promotion cannot be ruled out.

Contending with their big pack was particularly tricky as Ribb were without the power and bulk of both Mick Carr and Ryan Kirkbride and then lost Jack Davidson to a shoulder injury forcing Rob Corner into the back row and Ribb's find of the season Harri Whitaker into the second row.

They also lost David Fox to a knock on the head in the second half to be replaced by Will Davidson.

Driffield started strongly with their big pack prominent but North Ribblesdale stood firm. Simon Chapman halted one scoring opportunity with a fine tackle.

Ribb missed a golden chance when the ball carrier turned inside and was caught when the dangerous Simon Bolland was in the clear.

Bolland was proving a handful and after a fine run was brought down in the visitors 22.

Ribb won the scrum and went left into a crowded blind side where a pass intercepted and Driffield broke away to take a 7-0 lead after half an hour.

Ribb responded with a penalty from Stephen Moon before Driffield scored their second converted try for a 14-3 half-time lead.

Whatever was said at half time had an immediate effect. Moon’s kick off was high and the recipient was tackled hard by Corner and although Driffield won the ball their kick was charged down resulting in a deserved try for Bolland. Moon missed the conversion but then put his side back on the attack with a fine kick.

Dugdale won the line-out and after Ribb had sucked the opposition into a ruck, Dan Watson scored out wide to reduce the lead to one point.

Driffield amended their game plan and whenever they got the ball they used their big pack to grind their way up the middle.

After missing with a drop goal attempt they won the ball from the drop out and scored a converted try to extend their lead to 21-13.

With 15 minutes left, Driffield had their best spell of the match and scored another converted try from a forward drive.

Ribb responded with a Moon penalty but with two minutes to go and the score 28-16, Ribb lost the ball in an attack and another converted try gave the scoreline a flattering look for the visitors.