NORTH Ribblesdale were on the road again for a top of the table clash with old friends Pocklington on Saturday.

The heavy home side started well with a driven scrum at which Ribb were penalised and from the resulting lineout the whole of the Pock side drove over for a converted try by Williamson, and the signs were ominous.

However, this Ribb side simply does not accept adversity and got their way back into the game by spreading the ball wide at every opportunity and prolific winger Ralph Wellock squeezed in at the corner after some enterprising backs interplay. This was converted by Tom Davidson who is in immaculate kicking form so far this season.

Ribb now had the bit between their teeth and following a failed line out, Pocks' clearance was charged down and Tom Davidson scampered over in the corner, again converting to get Ribb in front 14-10. Two further tries, a weekly occurrence for Ben Coultherd and another from Alex Dew saw a bonus point secured after 30 minutes, which were both converted to give an interval lead of 28-15 to the visitors.

The second half saw the home side exert pressure on Ribb and some desperate defence saw three yellow cards handed out in five minutes, and the visitors were down to 12 men.

However, as is their custom the mighty remaining 12 rose to the occasion and repelled everything that Pock threw at them. Pock did cross the line again through Jack Bickerdike and Paul Cilla but debutant Kiwi Jacob Monaghan barged over near the end to secure some daylight.

Coach Tom Davidson capped a perfect kicking performance with a late long range penalty to deny Pock any points.

This was yet another obdurate performance from an ever improving Ribb side who have now won 20 league games on the bounce and with rising confidence another promotion, whilst not being openly spoken about is a possibility.

This week sees a home game against Wath who pushed Ribb all the way for the Yorkshire Two crown last season. Two teams at home against another like minded club and another very busy day at Grove Park is expected. Kick-off is at 3.00 pm.

North Ribblesdale Stags enjoyed another win against Ilkley 3rds (17- 5) in a closely contested affair, their third win in four games thus far.