In the last issue North Ribblesdale were in the promotion hunt with both their senior Men’s and Ladies teams poised for a final promotion push. It all came down to the last game with victory required for the respective titles.
The Ladies were at home to a stubborn Pocklington team who fell away in the second half and the ladies ran out convincing winners 81-5 scoring thirteen tries in the process and securing the title. They have gone from strength to strength this season and are already planning for next season.
The men faced a difficult away fixture to third placed Ripon who had enjoyed six wins on the trot prior to the fixture.
A bumper crowd of almost 700 packed Ripon’s Mallorie Park, swelled with 200 from Ribb. Ripon led three times in the game, but North Ribb were showing why they were top and steadfastly refused to buckle.
Going into the final minutes Ribb had got their noses in front 19-16 and when local teenager Elliott Marklew barged over just before the final whistle it was a famous victory for the Blues. Final score Ripon 16-26 North Ribblesdale. Celebrations were prolonged into the night but extremely well deserved.
It wasn’t just the first team in action that day. For the first time ever, Ribb travelled with three teams to the same club and only a late equalising score by Ripon’s second team prevented a ‘Bluewash’ as the third team were victorious 32-21. It was the first third team fixture for almost fifteen years and is a measure of the progress made in the last year under new head coach Thomas Davidson.
Anyone wanting to become a playing member, please look at our social media page and come on down. A warm welcome awaits everyone irrespective of playing level. Tom has committed to continuing next season and it is hoped a couple of ex-players will strengthen the squad ready for doing battle in Yorkshire 1 when some old friends will be met once again. The likes of Keighley, Pocklington, Beverley and Bridlington will be visiting Grove Park for the first time in several years.
Something is stirring in North Craven so please get down, become a player, or a volunteer and get involved in your local Rugby club. You may be pleasantly surprised how much enjoyment you could get being part of a community club.
Gavin Davidson, Chairman North Ribblesdale RUFC
