Memorial match thriller is a fitting tribute to loyal servant (From Craven Herald)

Memorial match thriller is a fitting tribute to loyal servant

9:46am Thursday 29th December 2011 in North Ribblesdale By Andrew Mills

North Ribblesdale 25 Wharfedale Foresters 26

Anthony Capstick was a wonderful person and player who served both clubs loyally and his memorial match at Settle was a marvellous tribute to him and his family.

The two teams served up a delightful feast of running rugby to illuminate a gloomy Boxing Day for the large crowd.

The absorbing contest kept the spectators entertained and the result was in doubt until the final minute when the Foresters snatched victory.

Ribb opened the scoring after forcing a midfield penalty which was converted by Will Davidson.

Foresters were soon forcing the home side back, but the Ribb midfield defence held firm.

It was an error by Ribb which enabled the Foresters to open their account.

Ribb flicked the ball out of a tackle and the grateful James Druce seized the ball and made 50 metres before drawing full back Simon Bolland and passing to Mark Simpson who raced in for a try which Druce converted.

Ribb didn’t let the setback trouble them and Mick Carr made a powerful run which resulted in Wharfedale conceding a penalty for offside which Davidson landed comfortably.

Ribb took the lead for the second time when David Fox made an interception and took advantage of the fact that the Foresters’ full back Luke Gray was in the line as he raced 40 metres to score a try which Davidson converted.

It was Wharfedale’s turn to hit back. The Ribb scrum was put under pressure and a hasty pass was intercepted by Druce who scored a try out wide.

The conversion was missed by Druce so Ribb led by a single point.

Just before half-time Ribb scored again. Skipper Dan Watson made a half break and flicked a pass out of the tackle to Bolland who surged forward.

The speedy Bolland then passed to Ted Mitchell who bounced off his man and scored wide out to put Ribb 18-12 up at half-time.

The second half resumed at a terrific pace with both sides moving the ball against tough midfield defences.

Foresters’ pack were shrewdly opting to use the pick and drive to good effect whenever they got inside the opposition 22.

Ribb were making the tackles but were also conceding ground. A score was inevitable and Richard Rhodes provided it. Druce’s conversion put his side 19-18 up.

The next try was a wonderful effort by Bolland after aproach work by Steve Moon and Watson.

He raced in from 40 metres with Davidson converting to give Ribb a 25-19 lead with time running out.

Wharfedale came back and put Nick Taylor away, but he was called back for a forward pass.

Foresters were determined not to be denied.

They drove through their forwards for a winning score by Alistair Allen converted by Druce to seal a one-point win.

Prior to the main event Ribb oldies were beaten by Wharfedale oldies by the odd score.