Bridlington 16 North Ribblesdale 21

North Ribblesdale produced their best result of the season as they put an end to Bridlington’s unbeaten Yorkshire Division One record on Saturday.

In conditions more akin to a normal summer day than the recent local Monsoons, Ribb played with a slight breeze at their backs in the first half.

Both sides started in lively fashion with the Brid pack looking a little sharper at the breakdown.

However, Ribb gained parity at the line-out and showed their hosts how to scrummage.

The home side were first on the scoresheet when scrum half Steve Mellonby kicked a penalty after Ribb’s backs were caught offside. It took ten minutes for Ribb to work their way into the home 22 and after building pressure they were awarded a five-metre scrum.

Ribb’s pack surged for the line and as Mick Carr was in the act of scoring Mellonby dived on the ball and a penalty try was awarded. Jonathan Richards converted to give Ribb a 7-3 lead.

Ribb’s backs were playing an expansive game with Stephen Moon and centres William Davidson and Richards looking dangerous as well as solid in defence.

Brid’s pack upped their game and after sustained pressure Kiwi prop Adam Dixon barged over for a converted try and another Mellonby penalty saw Brid leading 13-7 at the break.

Ribb’s pack really increased the tempo in the second half and surging runs from powerful new recruit Russell Ingham, Sam Boatwright and skipper Carr eventually created an overlap that Richards took advantage of and scored a try which he converted to put his side ahead with ten minutes to play.

An unlikely victory was now a real possibility. Brid came back strongly and were awarded a penalty under the shadow of the posts for a needless high tackle that Mellonby took advantage of to regain the lead for his side with five minutes remaining.

Not to be outdone Ribb’s pack took up the challenge once more and after seven phases of pick and drive, the ball was spun out to the dangerous Simon Bolland.He appeared to score in the corner, but the home touch judge ruled otherwise.

From the resultant lineout a ruck ensued and the lively Mellonby stamped needlessly on a Ribb player and was yellow carded.

Ribb opted for a scrum, an indication of their superiority, and duly heaved the home side over for a try by Carr that Richards again converted to give Ribb a morale boosting victory.

Ribb’s flankers Nathan Dakin and Chris Heap were tireless but this was a real team effort against a side tipped for promotion. With two home games next, competition for places in the pack is hotting up. The win will have done wonders for morale.