ON a reunion day of past captains, chairmen and presidents as part of North Ribblesdale’s centenary celebrations, a minute’s silence was held in memory of well-respected Wharfedale past chairman Michael "Clarty" Harrison.

The game was held in awfully wet conditions for two sides who both play an expansive game. The early encounters were to Baildon’s advantage as they disrupted two Ribb scrums and gained two scrum penalties which were both converted by Jake Duxbury to give an early six-point lead to the visitors.

Ribb had some strong periods of pressure, but losing the ball going forward in the tackle on several times reduced any chance of building a points tally.

In the second half another Ribb discretion allowed Duxbury another easy three points, but shortly after Michael Thwaite kicked a penalty to get Ribb within six points.

In the last quarter Ribb were in the ascendency following Richard Lynns early introduction to steady the scrum, but every time pressure was built, either ball retention or discipline was a problem for the hosts.

Ribb pushed for a fightback right until the last whistle, with the last play seeing lively winger Jack Hutchinson touch down in the corner, which would have given Ribb a kick for victory.

However, the pass was adjudged to be forward by referee, Conway.

Baildon Hooker Gaibee was red carded with 10 minutes to go for a reckless challenge on Ribbs’ teenage fullback Calum Mathew in an otherwise amicably competed match, which the visitors won 9-3.

This Saturday (a blank weekend for most clubs) sees Wharfedale thirds have their first outing for twelve months as they take on Ribb seconds.