In a top of the table clash an under pressure North Ribblesdale side eventually vanquished a very strong Pocklington side in the top of the table clash at Grove Park. In front of a bumper crowd an epic encounter unfolded, the result of which was in the balance right until the final whistle. Ribb lost the toss and had to play to their beloved balcony in the first half. Honours were pretty even in the first skirmishes with Ribb getting more of the ball but not looking as fluid as in recent games and a couple of unenforced errors lost momentum. Pock were very competitive and after 15 minutes found a a gap and winger John Jackson scorched in for a try converted by scrum half Rob Boddy.

Ribb came back into the game and coach Tom Davidson put them in attacking territory after a pinpoint penalty kick from half way to the corner. Ribb set up the catch and drive and Hooker Matt Speres sneaked over in the corner after much hard work from all the forwards. Tom Davidson levelled with a touchline conversion.

The game see sawed back and forth with Ribb continuing to give ground through poor ball retention and Pocklington struck just before the interval when a crossfield kick found young centre Luke Sangwin in space and he scampered over to give the visitors a tense 12 - 7 interval lead.

Playing away from the balcony it looked an uphill struggle for Ribb, but, sleeves were rolled up and after absorbing ten minutes early pressure started to turn the screws on their rivals. After several thrusts at the line the returning Adam Middleton was driven over for a converted try to give the home side a precarious lead 14 - 12. They kept the pressure on through astute tactical play and much better ball retention and eventually scored again through young man of the match Elliott Marklew who was unstoppable from five metres. With the conversion missed Ribb led 19 -12 going into the last ten minutes. Pock swarmed back and exerted intense pressure on the Ribb line through a succession of five metre line outs and scrums, but, to a man Ribbs defence stood firm under much adversity and amidst the darkening gloom regained possession, put the ball in touch and a famous victory against the best side to visit North Ribb in two years. All players were exhausted at the final whistle in a game that was a credit to all concerned. Once again it would be wrong to single out any individuals but flanker John Padley as well as Adam Middleton and Marklew put in hellish shifts in a great team effort.

This win sees Ribb four points clear with a game in hand at the top but with several potential banana skins to come nothing is being taken for granted.

Such a fixture is next week away at Wath Upon Dearne who are notoriously hard to beat at their stronghold. However in their current form it would be a brave man that bet against this Ribb side maintaining their momentum.
Coach leaves 10.00am