Ribbs 4 tries gives them a deserved win.

Heath 2nd XV entertained North Ribblesdale 2nd XV at West Vale on a fine, warm afternoon in a friendly fixture. The first part of the game was very even with both defences performing well and very little was seen of either side on attack. However, the first chance to open the scoring went to the Dales men when they were awarded an attacking 5 metre scrum. From the scrum, the Scrum Half passed to the Outside Half who dummied his way over the line for a try which was easily converted. 0 – 7 after 14 minutes. The game continued with neither side able to gain the upper hand and it was the home side who scored next after 22 minutes when, after a period of sustained pressure, they were awarded a penalty and Outside Half, Mick GLEESON, made no mistake. 3 – 7. Nick SZADBY then replaced Martyn BARNES in the pack. After 28 minutes, Heath scored an excellent team try. Heath won the ball on halfway and the ball was passed down the line to Centre, Matthew COOK, who made good ground before delaying a superb pass to Winger, Jacob STOREY giving the wingman space ahead. Jacob made ground before being tackled. The ball was quickly recycled and young Scrum Half, Ben DAVIES, got the backs moving once more. The ball was moved quickly down the line and the ball eventually found its way to Second Row and Skipper, Emlyn JAMES, who scored near the corner flag. The conversion was unsuccessful by Matthew COOK who then left the field to go and play on the adjacent pitch for the 1st XV, having started the game as a replacement for them. 8 - 7 Cookie was replaced in the centre by Gareth WEBB who put his stamp on the game immediately with some excellent tackles and forward runs. On the stroke of half time, Heath were awarded a further kickable penalty and Mick GLEESON made no mistake. 11 – 7 Half time: Heath 2nd XV 11 – 7 North Ribblesdale 2nd XV Mick GLEESON left the field during the interval due to a leg injury and number 8, Geoff JONES, also took no further part in the game. They were replaced by Adam OLDROYD who went on the wing with Jacob STOREY moving to 10; and Martyn BARNES went onto the other wing with James WHITWORTH moving into the second row and Emlyn dropping back to 8. Ribb started the second half with vigour and play was taking place in the Heath ‘22’ for the first period of the half. Ribb were rewarded for their efforts after 48 minutes when, after being held up over the line, a 5 metre scrum was awarded. Like the try in the first half, the Scrum Half passed to the Outside Half who was able to force his way over. The conversion was missed. 11 – 12 after 48 minutes. Ribb continued to apply the pressure but the Heath defence was strong and they managed to claw their way back into the game with strong running both in the forwards and in the backs. After 71 minutes, Heath then took the lead with a well – struck penalty from Adam OLDROYD. 14 – 12. However, the lead was short lived when, after 76 minutes, a kick downfield from Ribb was misfielded by Heath; Ribb gained possession and they made their way from their own half along their left flank. Although the Heath defence regrouped to stop the initial incursion, the ball was recycled and Ribb were able to score an unconverted try. 14 – 17 This now required a last big effort from the home side to rescue something from the game. However, on the stroke of full time, it was Ribb who scored a further unconverted try and referee, Warren RIMMER, brought the game to an end. Full time: Heath 2nd XV 14 – 22 North Ribblesdale 2nd XV This was another evenly-contested game with Heath just missing out on a victory. It was a good game to watch with both sides playing good rugby. Ribb scored 4 tries to 1 and, in the end, deserved the win. However, the Heath lads can take credit in their performance against a team who compete one level higher in the league structure. Man of the match awards go to full back, Tom COLLINGE who took all high kicks put in his direction and countered well when able to do so; and, in the forwards, replacement, Nick SZADBY, put in some excellent tackles, 2 of which were certainly try – saving.