North Ribb struggles with host's pace at Northallerton

NORTH Ribb took an experimental side to Northallerton on Saturday and although they competed well their makeshift backline could not compete with the hosts pace outside the scrum.

Ribb however took the game to the home forwards and more than held their own despite losing props Calum Wilson and Richard Lynn to wrist and rib injuries while Thwaite also had to retire with a leg injury.

Northallerton scored first opening up Ribb's midfield for a converted try in the first five minutes. But Ribb in their first trip into the home-half courtesy of a booming kick from Elliot Firth scored after a maul under the posts by Adam Stubbs converted by Mick Thwaite.

Northallerton scored again after ten minutes and almost from the kick off scored another. Mick Thwaite kicked another penalty and at half time it was twenty seven ten.

The hosts now has the slope and the wind in their favour but the second half was more competitive with the home side adding a further twenty six points to Ribb's nineteen.

Ribb did secure a bonus point with their determined display and there were a few plusses: Elliot Firth was Ribb's stand-out player , Mick and Andy Thwaite played well with Kyle Handy putting in a determined defensive display along with Michael Robinson and Elliot Belt.