York entertained North Ribblesdale on a cold November Saturday afternoon. The mist lifted just before kick-off to reveal sunny and still conditions. York needed to put in a decent shift and record a win after a disappointing loss at Keighley last week.

York had the slope in the first half and were keen to cement their dominance. North Ribb, short of some of their first-choice players, were unwilling to let York settle and for the first 10 minutes, spoilt the party with their dogged defence. The home team became frustrated and gave away a number of penalties, slowing any traction they might have had. As the game settled, York managed to get some good field position; good work by Starkey at the breakdown won York a penalty and the resulting kick gave them a line-out deep in the North Ribb half. A second penalty awarded to York for a North Ribb player pulling the York nine into the ruck, resulted in a lineout closer to the try line. Whilst the catch and drive was held up over the line, the resulting scrum gave York their first try. Scrum half Hargreaves dotted down after the pack had done the grunt work. Davies added the extra to give York the lead 7 – 0.York now looked a little more settled but the North Ribb defence in mid-field was holding fast against York attacks. Where the backs were unable to make significant penetration, the scrum was providing good forward momentum. With the game deep into the second quarter, York used their scrum to secure ball in the North Ribb 22. Multiple phases drew a penalty and a quick tap by Hargreaves released Goulding to barge over from short range. Davies converting again, York were now 14 – 0 up.The second score gave York more momentum and led by Goulding, were making better individual runs. Some of the handling was letting them down slightly with the last pass either going forward or to ground. The half closed with a third try to York, Goulding getting his second after just hanging on to a seemingly unwilling ball. Davies was just wide with the conversion to leave the score 19 – 0.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first with York endeavour being thwarted by committed defence by the underpowered visitors. However, York were starting to put a few better moves together, McClure leading well from 10. The fourth try and bonus point, was secured after a free kick in the attacking half allowed the ball to be moved wide and Newitt stepped his opposite man and then beat two more defenders with pace to secure an excellent score under the posts. Converted, the lead was now 26 – 0.York were now keen to ensure they kept a clean sheet and whilst North Ribb continued to work hard, the one or two significant attacking plays were nullified well by the York defence. The home team continued to pressurise in attack and as the game crept into the final quarter, it was only time before more points came. After a good run by Nicholson on the left wing, the ball moved right and the pressure told as a York had greater numbers and Newitt got his second try out wide. The conversion went just wide; York 31 – North Ribb 0.The York forwards worked hard in the closing phases of the match, continuously hitting the ball up field, but a mixture of fumbles and committed defence kept them out. As the abrasive Benson was held up over the line, York managed to recycle the ball and move it quickly out wide to allow Atkin to score the final York points. York 36 – North Ribblesdale 0.

York should be rightly pleased with the 5 points and the tries scored. But more pleasing will be keeping a clean sheet. North Ribblesdale put up a solid performance and should be proud of the commitment they showed in defence right to the end but ultimately York’s strength and depth was evident.