North Ribblesdale in need of forward momentum (From Craven Herald)

North Ribblesdale in need of forward momentum

10:40am Thursday 24th November 2011 in North Ribblesdale

Keighley 32 North Ribblesdale 5

To say that this score flattered Keighley would be unfair.

Once they scored in the last five minutes they realised that another try would mean a bonus point and they set about achieving it with some vigour.

Ribb were a makeshift side without regulars at centre, winger, second row and back row.

They started shakily and conceded a try but after that they acquitted themselves well.

The story could so easily have been different because the Ribb backs caused problems for Keighley, however the failure to kick a single goal was a big hindrance.

Keighley scored when they needed to while Ribb missed their chances.

In addition to the missed kicks, Simon Chapman dived over the five-metre line rather than the try line to throw another score away.

North Ribb’s only try was a first score for Shane Holmes after a good break by Dan Watson.

Ribb could have been ahead at the break if they had kicked their goals, but instead they found themselves seven points down.

They were still in the game though. The scrum and line-out went well, but Ribb were lethargic in getting to the loose ball.

The pack needs to step up a gear as the days are gone when they could win games on their own.

The backs, even with a couple out, were a threat but they saw insufficient ball. Keighley were first to the loose ball which allowed them to keep Ribb out.

After half-time Keighley started with some purpose but Ribb held them out.

The pressure told when a Keighley attack on the left faltered after a good tackle by Jack Davidson.

Keighley won slow ball, but their scrum half saw a gap left by slack defence and went under the posts for a converted try.

The game seemed out of Ribb’s reach, but they battled away keeping Keighley out until the last five minutes when they went over in the corner for an unconverted try.

They then came back from the kick off to get a converted try and a deserved bonus point.

It was a good win for Keighley which deservedly puts them among the promotion candidates.

Ribb are hampered by injuries, but did enough in patches to show they can be a threat to anyone.

Their problems are a pack which has not come to terms with the need for more mobility and greater presence at the breakdown.

The tight ball is good, with Richard Lynn settling in well, but Ribb’s backline needs quick, loose ball which at present is in short supply.