Match Preview

North Ribblesdale Match Preview

On Saturday, we travel to North Ribblesdale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in Settle.

We would generally give you a few facts about North Ribblesdale (NR), but I couldn’t find anything on their website on when they were formed etc, so had to turn to Wikipedia. Fingers crossed about the next paragraph.

NR, started life in Yorkshire 2 when the leagues started in 1987, along with other clubs such as Ionians, Sheffield Tigers and Doncaster, where they were promoted as Champions. In recent times they were relegated to Yorkshire Two in 2017/18, where they have been since, finishing 8th before Covid struck.

NR currently sit 10th in the table with 2 wins, the head to head is in Keighley’s favour, in the last 5 games, we have 4 wins, the best being a 50 – 7 win back in 2017 back in Yorkshire One.

Traditionally we have not started the new season well; we tend to start going after Christmas. We have certainly come out of the blocks with intent this season, no doubt Dan’s men will be looking to continue the winning streak, which is currently at 6 games, only bettered in 1997 when we had an 8 game-winning run from the beginning of the season.

Our defence is certainly key at the moment, one of the best defences in the league, having only conceded 77 points after 6 games. Currently, there are only 8 teams in the Northern Division who have played 6 games with a better record, a stat that was backed up by the big hits in Saturday’s game.

The league is certainly taking shape now, and with Wetherby's win at Northallerton on Saturday, we have some season-defining games coming up, Northallerton on the 30th of Oct, Wetherby on the 4th of Dec, and not forgetting the challenging trip over to Hullensians on the 18th of Dec, with them sitting second in the league will be a crucial game, let's remember the kit this time!

As of Wednesday, our injury/availability concerns are, Luke Currie, who turned his ankle last week, John Gibson, recovering from a virus (not C19), Sean Kelly, who has a swollen knee and Alfie Seeley shoulder.

For those looking to support the lads, the address is Grove Park, Lower Greenfoot, Settle, BD24 9RB

Finally, a big thank-you to Lucas Uren, who organised the Oktoberfest last Saturday night, a top club night.

Other Yorkshire Two Fixtures
North Ribblesdale - Keighley
Northallerton - Leeds Corinthians
Old Grovians - Wetherby
Ripon - Wensleydale
Thornensians - Yarnbury
Wath Upon Dearne - Baildon
Wheatley Hills - Hullensians