Bolland stars in game that had everything - including a Ribb victory! (From Craven Herald)

Bolland stars in game that had everything - including a Ribb victory!

4:36pm Thursday 27th October 2011 in North Ribblesdale By Andrew Mills

North Ribblesdale 28, Scarborough 27

What a cracker! This SSE Yorkshire Division One match had everything: 55 points; five tries; a mass brawl and a referee being assessed, leading to the whole range of rugby misdemeanours, including a kick not through the mark and a not straight in the scrum – both collectors’ items.

Ribb started playing against a strong breeze but they were soon on the attack.

Simon Bolland, breaking strongly, was caught short, so to speak, but quick ball secured by Chris Heap and Nathan Dakin helped to swing play right for an overlap, which gave Sam Allsop, who looked sharp all afternoon, a quick sprint for a try.

Scarborough were not to be subdued, however, and came back, spending ten minutes in the Ribb half before kicking two penalties for midfield infringements.

Ribb’s defence, in contrast to the previous week, looked very solid, forcing two unsuccessful drops at goal.

The hosts were looking good and another score looked likely whenever they had the ball.

It came after 20 minutes when another powerful run by Bolland put Dan Watson in, Will Davidson converting a difficult kick.

Scarborough dominated territory for the rest of the half, nuggety defence keeping them out until the third attempt at a drop goal succeeded, bringing the score to 12-9.

Scarborough then roared back and got their winger away. A try looked certain to all except Simon Chapman, who felled his man with a classic front-on tackle, and Ribb had the last word in the half when Davidson kicked a penalty.

Turning round gave Ribb the breeze and a tricky sun at their backs, and they seemed to have put the match away when Watson, chasing a kick from Steven Moon, who kicked well all day, seized the ball and sprinted 50 metres to score, Davidson converting to make it 22-9.

But Scarborough were very resilient and stuck to it, grinding their way upfield using the rolling maul and short forward bursts to drive over near the posts for a converted try to bring the scoreboard back to 22-16.

A tense period of play was illuminated by the irrepressible Bolland sprinting out of defence and putting Watson under the posts, only to be called back for a forward pass, which was hotly disputed by the home crowd.

Scarborough drove again and Ribb had to defend hard, Shane Holmes – on for David Fox – and Watson providing a secure defensive screen.

A period of play around halfway followed and this was scarred by a bout of handbag-throwing in which both sides fielded combatants.

The excellent referee cooled it down and Davidson kicked the resultant penalty to give Ribb a cushion of two scores.

This did not last long, though. Scarborough drove and drove, scoring a good unconverted try on the right to narrow their deficit to 25-22.

Sensing their opportunity, Scarborough were now in full cry, with Ribb defending stoutly.

Ribb’s midfield defence was very good, and needed to be. However, a rare break out, led by Mick Carr, allowed Ribb into Scarborough’s half.

Pressure brought a penalty, which was kicked by the impeccable Davidson to extend the lead to four points. Scarborough got a grip again and Ribb were under the cosh, not helped by a relieving penalty that was brought back for not being through the mark.

Scarborough kicked another penalty to get within a point but Ribb held out for the last five minutes, not without scares mind you.

A charged-down drop out caused palpitations but Ribb got through it for a deserved win.

Allsop looks a real find, being quick, brave and elusive, David-son kicked some important goals and looked good at scrum half when Fox was injured.

Watson recovered his scoring touch and Bolland caused havoc every time he got the ball.

Dakin and Heap were also everywhere.

A bit more composure and Ribblesdale would have got the bonus point and a wider margin but Scarborough fought to the end in what proved to be a good win for the home side.

* Skipton are among 50 clubs competing to win a training day with the England team.

Having already won an Ultimate Kit and Laundry Package, which includes 22 bespoke Samurai kits and a top-of-the range AEG 9 series washing machine and tumble dryer, Skipton are now seeking businesses, family and friends.

Voting will close on Sunday, December 4.

The website is www.aeg.co.uk/grassroots.