NORTHALLERTON RUFC first team had their last game of the season away at one of the most scenic grounds in Yorkshire when they travelled to North Ribblesdale, but went out with a whimper instead of a bang with a 32-12 defeat.

Ribbs out played, out scrummaged and played the windy conditions better than North for most of the afternoon.

The home team took an early lead with two penalties after four and 12 minutes respectively, both for North being offside. The offside line continued to be a problem for North for most of the afternoon as they were unable to stay on the right side of the law.

North's problems were confounded when Matthew Marsay was yellow carded after 17 minutes for a dangerous tackle.

Ribbs took advantage of the extra man with a unconverted try after 23 minutes when they stole a North lineout before powering over the try line.

North tried their best to hold out to half time in the hope of changing their luck in the second half. However, despite their stoic defending the home team went over for a converted try a minute before half time to send the teams in at 18-0 at half time.

The second half was a slightly better half for North with the advantage of a diagonal wind behind with. Ribbs however, were used to the conditions at home and positioned their defenders better and more appropriately.

Ribbs went over for a converted try after only five minutes of the restart, which slightly deflated North's hopes.

Five minutes later though, excellent hands through Norths backs created room for the ever improving Tom Peacock to score in the corner.

Just as it looked like North were getting back into the game, on the hour mark, the home side went over for another converted try to effectively seal the win.

Two minutes from time Peacock collected the ball one handed while handing off his opposite number with the other hand to race through a gap and score under the posts. Jed Bainbridge added the conversion to make the final score 32-12.

North's man of the match was awarded to Tom Peacock.

Despite losing more games than Yarnbury, North Ribblesdale and rivals Ripon, North still ended the season above them in ninth position due to a higher accumulation of bonus points.

North must now look to recruiting more players during the close season and hope the list of the long term injured players, including club captain Iain Swall, Jeremy Deas and Alexander Metcalfe, will be returning sooner than expected.

Next on the list for Northallerton Rugby Club is the sold out May Ball and presentation on Saturday, May 14.