Derby clash is big test for promotion hopefuls

2:30pm Thursday 29th November 2007

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SKIPTON and North Ribblesdale will renew an old rivalry when the Reds travel to Grove Park for a Yorkshire Two clash on Saturday.

The contest will an interesting one between two clubs whose run of form have gone in different directions in recent times.

�On paper, we�re the favourites. But they are in good form and have the home advantage, so I think it will be an extremely close game.�

Skipton chairman Richard Mashiter

Skipton have lost two games in a row, something that has not been done for the past couple of season at the club.

They sit second in the table after a shocking loss to Ripon two weeks ago and a defeat against league leaders Old Brodleians last week.

Skipton chairman Richard Mashister said: "There was a little overconfidence. A couple of defeats will hopefully be a wake-up call for us.

"If we are to continue to push for promotion, we need to get back to winning ways on Saturday and then beyond that.

North Ribb, however, have lost only once in last seven fixtures. They have turned it around after a slow start to the season.

Without being at their best they came away from West Park Leeds with a victory last Saturday.

But, as with any derby, form may have little impact on the result.

North Ribb coach Andrew Mills said: "We're looking forward to it. This match means a lot to the players."

Mills said the last time the two clubs met, North Ribb came out on top in a league match. But it has been a few years since that match had been played.

Mills thinks Skipton will be more than up for this encounter coming off two defeats.

"They'll come out with all guns blazing. They'll be up for it to say the least."

Mashiter said: "On paper, we're the favourites. But they are in good form and have the home advantage, so I think it will be an extremely close game.

"It will be an interesting local derby as we haven't played each other in recent years. They will be plenty of local pride at stake."

The Reds are at full strength, with the only selection dilemma being that of choice rather than problem.

In the forwards, Moa Meki returns to his original role as prop, allowing Mark Davison, one of Skipton's experienced war horses, to return at No 8.

In the backs the positions are re-arranged, with Brydon Maiava and James Burke taking the centre roles, whilst Richard Curtin returns on the wing after being unavailable earlier in the season.

North Ribblesdale make a couple of changes to the squad with Russell Howarth coming into the back row, and Simon Bolland on the wing.

NORTH RIBBLESDALE: Chapman, Dakin, Richards, Topham, Bolland, Bartlett, Fox, Thwaite, Ogden, Maudsley, garth, Dugdale, Howarth, Carr, Kirkbride. Replacements: Stubbs, Stacey, Senior.

SKIPTON: Battle, Naylor, Burke, Maiava, Curtin, Howson, Oldfield, Crossman, Sheehan, Meki, M Boatwright, M Willsher, Sneddon, Snowdon, Davison. Replacements: Riches, R Willsher, Shaw.

The match sponsor is Drake and Macefield, whilst Malcolm Davidson, whose family have been associated with North Ribb for many years, has once again agreed to sponsor this week's ball.