REPORT BY: GAVIN DAVIDSON

BOXING Day saw the annual joust between North Ribblesdale and Wharfedale Foresters take place, and it would be the visitors who claimed the bragging rights on this occasion.

Ribb fielded a young team resting several players ahead of the important league fixture against Pocklington.

They were also facing off against a very capable Foresters team bolstered with the inclusion of the experienced Baldwin and Burridge and the returning Viner. It resulted in a tight contest with the result in doubt until the final minutes.

However, the Foresters edged the contest 27-19.

In front of a four figure crowd the game was played largely in good spirit and ebbed and flowed continually. Wharfedale scored first with a try from centre Oliver Bullock converted by Max Bell.

Shortly afterwards, they extended their lead through winger Frank Walker to give the Green Machine a 12-0 lead.

Ribb’s forwards seized the initiative and Adam Middleton playing his first game of the season after a serious injury powered over for a try converted by Freddie Spensley.

The second half was just as tight with Wharfedale extending their lead to 19-7 with a converted try scored by Ilkley recruit Sam Holden.

Ribb stormed back and young scrum half Callum Mathew scored a well worked try to put the hosts within a score of their visiting local rivals.

The Foresters then took the game away from the home side with another try for Walker after a fortuitous bounce on the touchline and a well taken drop goal from Max Bell.

Jim Mallalieu-Black did score a consolation try for Ribb, but the deficit was too much to claw back, and the game ended with the Foresters jubilant.

The day itself represented everything positive with local sport; fierce rivalry and respect between two local teams and a bumper crowd all showing respect to one another.

Also on Boxing Day, North Ribblesdale Stags vanquished a strong Wharfedale 3rd team in a highly competitive game to maintain their impressive form. The result ended 24-12 in Ribb’s favour.

All eyes will now turn to the huge contest at North Ribblesdale, as the first team host second placed Pocklington where a close encounter is expected this Saturday.

However, with the rested players returning to the fold, Ribb will be hopeful hopeful that their unbeaten league run will continue and that they’ll be able to consolidate their position as league leaders.

The season now moves into the second half, and each game takes on an increasing level of importance, with this Saturday’s fixture getting underway at 2 pm.