Morris converted from referee to star player in Ribb’s victory (From Craven Herald)

Morris converted from referee to star player in Ribb’s victory

1:17pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in North Ribblesdale

North Ribblesdale 20 Ilkley 11

The Giggleswick School colleagues who took over Diccon Morris’s refereeing duties played a big part in North Ribblesdale’s success.

Their gesture enabled Morris to play a starring role at scrum half in a stirring victory.

He turned slow scrum ball under pressure into something that stand-off Will Davidson and his backs could work with.

The new-look Ribb pack with youngsters Dean Stacey and Richard Lynn still finding their feet, was regularly under pressure, but Morris didn’t let that worry him.

It was thought that the heavy pitch and a tricky crosswind would favour Ribb, but it was Ilkley who took the game by the throat.

Ilkley were soon exerting pressure in the Ribb half and the midfield defence had to work hard to keep them out.

The big Ilkley pack relish having the ball in hand and they provided space for Stuart Vincent and Jack Ravell to break into the Ribb 22.

Two penalties in quick succession converted by Phil Howell gave Ilkley a 6-0 lead.

It looked as though Ribb could be in for a hard day. They had to defend hard, but their midfield of Davidson, Dan Watson and Steven Moon were magnificent.

A turnover by Willie Garth – who added much needed grunt to the pack – allowed Davidson to kick Ribb into the home 22.

Ilkley won the line-out and drove the ball ten metres. They won the resultant scrum easily, but were either slow to clear or Chris Heap was offside He intercepted and passed to Morris who beat two men and put in Davidson under the posts for a try which he also converted. It was a fortunate score that turned the game.

From Ilkley’s restart Jack Davidson, who was in imperious form, took the ball and surged forward before passing to Moon who put Simon Bolland away. The winger made ground and then Davidson, Watson and Bolland again carried the move on before Simon Chapman was caught on the line and lost the ball forward.

Ribb had their tails up and the scrum steadied although still under pressure . There were other good passages of play but no more scoring as Ribb led 7-6 at the break.

Ribb came out looking a better outfit in the second half. They started to win useful ball and kicked well for position.

Ilkley conceded two penalties both on the ten metre line and Davidson converted both.

The 13-6 lead gave North Ribb some breathing space, but they could never relax against a side with a pack as big as Ilkley’s.

Ribb’s forwards battled away and started to win good ball. Some sweeping back moves culminated in another try by Davidson.

The home side broke out of defence and swift passing set Bolland in the clear. He bounced off his winger and handed on to Chapman. The Ribb backline supported and Davidson was on hand to finish. He added the conversion to take his tally to 20 points.

Ilkley were not finished and forced their way into the Ribb half.

Powerful runs by Mark Lovett, Vincent and Kirk Arundale turned Ribb and Lovett went over for a try.

Substitute Tom Bills missed the conversion and the chance of a bonus point. He was also off target with a late drop goal attempt.

There are signs Ribb are turning the corner, this win against a good Ilkley side showing the backline potential.

The pack struggled but kept their shape. Lynn was against a prop who has played in both the championship and Division One. He suffered but will be a better player for the experience.

Will Thwaite made some good hits on his debut and Jack Davidson – until an unfortunate eye injury – was the pick of a battling pack.

The stars though were Morris and half-back partner Will Davidson.