NORTH Ribblesdale's comeback attempt at Wetherby in Yorkshire Two fell just short, with the visitors going down 28-26 in a thrilling contest.

Two excellent penalties from Mick Thwaite and a try by Andy Thwaite allowed Ribb to claw their way back from an early 14-3 deficit, as they found themselves just a point behind at the break.

But with the breeze behind them, they failed to capitalise, and a late converted try from Omari Kaup-Samuels proved to be little consolation.

Playing with the wind early on, Wetherby's pack capitalised on dominant scrum ball for their number eight to go in for a converted try.

From kick-off, Wetherby gave away a penalty on their 10-metre line and Mick Thwaite knocked over a difficult kick, but soon after, a good kick from a penalty allowed Wetherby to pass the ball off the top of the lineout to the hooker, who ran in unopposed.

Ribb's Ryan Sumner then roared through the home defence, with quick ball and good hands putting skipper Andy Thwaite over for a converted try.

Sumner also forced a penalty, which Mick Thwaite converted to make the half-time score 14-13 in Wetherby's favour.

Mick Thwaite slotted over an early second-half penalty to give his side the lead but a well-worked back move allowed Wetherby to edge 21-16 in front.

Another Mick Thwaite penalty brought Ribb within two points but then a forward drive by Wetherby led to a converted try under the posts.

From an attacking scrum, Kaup-Samuels darted over to put Ribb only 28-26 down, but they could not force the final, crucial score.