NORTH Ribblesdale's name was last engraved on the Yorkshire Shield in the 1979-80 season, when the Settle side beat Pontefract 3-0 at Ilkley. Given the way the current season has unfolded for the Grove Park men, few would have backed them to be bidding for more silverware this weekend, (writes Tony Simpson).

But that is exactly what they will be about on Sunday when they take on West Leeds at Morley (3.30) in the final of the Yorkshire Shield.

With the opposition from one level below Ribblesdale in the league pecking order, the relegated Dalesmen will probably start slight favourites to take the trophy, although much will depend on what hat they choose to wear on the day. While their fortunes have been badly hit by injury to key personnel during the season, their variable form and their discipline have also been contributory factors in their decline.

At their best, Ribblesdale will win, a key boost to their chances being the return after a lengthy lay-off of captain and full-back Gareth Evans.

He is comfortably the most potent weapon in their armoury and his presence in the team after coming through a testing semi-final against Acklam last weekend is a crucial boost. Evans is a player who can turn a game in a moment, a thoroughbred who the forwards are well aware can win a game single-handed if they can supply the possession.

Overall, the pack has performed well this season, with Michael Carr attracting lavish praise in a hard-working unit. Provided they can cope with the disciplinary requirements of playing in a showpiece and cope with the added pressure, their forwards should be able to lay a workable foundation for the backs.

Ribblesdale also demonstrated in winning the semi-final in injury time that they have the tenacity and spirit to deal with a tense situation.

Their major task, apart from putting their own attacking skills on show, will be to contain the threat of evergreen West Leeds fly-half David Breakwell. The former Roundhay, Rotherham and Yorkshire player will not see 21 again, but he still possesses dancing feet, a shrewd tactical awareness and the confidence to orchestrate affairs effectively.

He will need to be carefully patrolled, but not at the expense of any over-zealous moments which might be counter-productive.

On their day, Ribblesdale can bring home the trophy and expunge in an instant all the heartache of a long struggle in the league. Incentive should not be a problem.