Settle rugby union club North Ribblesdale closed out their centenary season with success on the pitch, securing promotion to the premier league in the county (Yorkshire 1) with a convincing 42-12 away victory over Roundhegians on March 16th. It was their fourteenth consecutive league win, a remarkable achievement for such a small club.
The club also recently supplied six players to the Yorkshire Under 20s squad, with all six players making it onto the pitch at the same time at one point.
Alhough Yorkshire were beaten 22-21 by Lancashire, two Ribblesdale players, Ben Coultherd and Callum Mathew scored tries, and the others involved were Harry Mathew, Freddy Spensley, Elliott Marklew and Oliver Drew, who was chosen as captain for the game against Cheshire that was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch. All are local boys who have played at the club from an early age.
It is an unprecedented once in a generation happening that a community club like North Ribblesdale can provide so many players at that age group for the county and it is a pleasure to report that it is no way surprising as all of that group, indeed all the club’s senior players, are benefitting from learning from Player/Coach Thomas Davidson.
Tom is ensuring that the Davidson name is still at the forefront of club activities as it has been for 99 years since his Great Grandfather, Sidney, got involved in 1924.
At time of writing, shortly before the Community News went to press, there are two games left to play and two wins will see ‘Ribb’ crowned as champions!
Not to be outdone by their male cohorts, the Ladies team are also on the brink of league success and victory away at Malton on 6th April will see them crowned as champions of NC3 North Central.
The atmosphere at the club is buzzing so why not come down and support your local side, be it the First Team, the Stags (second team), the Ladies or even the juniors on a Sunday morning. Games are advertised on our social media pages. It is a welcoming place to be and any new support will be much appreciated. New members are always welcome.
With travel costs having rocketed since covid the team now often travels to away games by train and anyone wanting to travel with the players and become a part of the club are welcome. Just let Chairman Gavin Davidson know by calling 07711 028287 a week before travel and you can be included on our discounted group ticket and welcomed in our usual manner.
