NORTH Ribblesdale continued their progress up Yorkshire Two with a well-deserved victory over previous table toppers Wath upon Dearne.

After a herculean effort by club members to get the pitch safe to play on, the team did not disappoint. From the outset Ribb were in the ascendancy in all facets of play with the scrum being the only status quo.

In trying conditions and playing into a strong breeze Ribb went on the attack and two penalties from Tom Davidson and a try from Andy Thwaite following a break from the impressive Oliver Drew gave the home side a 13 - 0 advantage.

Following a yellow card to Ribb lock Adam Middleton, Wath managed to heave the hosts over their own line for an unconverted try on the stroke of the interval to give the home side a 13 - 5 lead.

With the elements now in their favour, Ribbs’ pack warmed to their task and amid seriously deteriorating conditions Tom Davidson used his nous to keep the hosts on the front foot. Their only reward was another penalty, but such was their dominance on another day it could have been many more.

This 16-5 victory moves Ribb up to second and if the improvement seen thus far is continued it will be no surprise to see North Ribblesdale get promoted in April.

Teenager Oliver Drew was a standout, as was skipper Alex Dew along with Matty Close, Harry Mathew as well as backs Ralph Wellock and Tom Davidson.

Overall, it was a great team performance and there is something stirring down at Grove Park which hopefully will lead to a promotion push in the New Year.