North Ribblesdale RU
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Erractic Ribb lose at Old Brodleians
Old Brodleians 15 North Ribblesdale 9
North Ribblesdale's topsy-turvy season rolls merrily along in erratic fashion.
Their increased fitness levels meant early season stuttering performances were replaced by a recent golden spell which was a joy to behold.
Winning matches playing exquisite expansive rugby Ribb were scoring points for fun until the wheels came off against home bogey side Pocklington.
The acid test was a visit to unbeaten runaway league leaders Old Brodleians on Saturday which Ribb passed with flying colours.
Ribb had a set game plan which was dictated by the one sided conditions at Hipperholme.
The significant slope of the pitch, coupled with a prevailing wind and driving rain, gave a distinct advantage to the team playing down slope.
In going against the wind in the first half, Ribblesdale were prepared for a forward dominated game with the ball rarely reaching the outside backs.
For much of the first half this approach was effective, with the pack rolling their sleeves up and running down the clock aided by the promptings of Fox and Bartlett.
The home team did force turnover ball, through their aggressive defence and they were clinical in turning possession into territory and consequently points.
The first two home tries both came from well-engineered overlaps, with Ribblesdale running out of numbers on the right on each occasion.
The third try again came as a result of home pressure with the engineering of a well-constructed and effective rolling maul.
Ribblesdale turned around 15-0 down and were optimistic that this could be overturned.
The second half saw a role reversal, with the home team resorting to ball retention and Ribblesdale kicking and playing for territory, with both Chapman and Bolland chasing with great enthusiasm.
Ribblesdale applied pressure and spent increasingly prolonged periods attacking the home team's line. This pressure saw Old Brods starting to give away penalties, which Richards faultlessly capitalised on.
During the final quarter of the game each side had opportunities. Richards and Carr went close to scoring when openings presented themselves.
Ribblesdale can take a great deal of credit from this performance - it was a real team display, with high levels of skill being demonstrated by all in difficult conditions.
2:09pm Thursday 13th March 2008
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