RIBB'S much delayed homecoming ended joyfully when they beat Pontefract in a spirited contest at Grove Park.

Key factors were the collective enthusiasm of the side and a fine display from the combative pack.

These qualities enabled the Dalesmen to get back on track when they seemed to falter midway through the first half.

At that stage the home side could be forgiven a few doubts as their impressive opening salvo appeared to have Pontefract rocking, but all they had to show for 15 minutes of superiority was a solitary Michael Carr penalty.

The visiting scrum were on the retreat and in the lineout Ribb had the edge but Pontefract showed the clinical finishing when excellent handling in the three-quarters brought a try.

Within five minutes they had repeated the dose and Ribb's confidence was shaken as they trailed 10-3.

Gradually, though, things came together and Simon Devoy (who had a tremendous game) made a gap for Gareth Evans. The thrust ended short of the line when better support might have produced a try but Ribb kept at it.

They declined a straightforward penalty chance, preferring instead a quick penalty which seemed to test second row Phil Pawson's skills as a winger. Not surprisingly that ploy failed but with half time approaching fast, the pack's ball retention kept Pontefract in the shadow of their own posts. When the ball came left Evans came in at the perfect angle to touch down. Carr's conversion levelled matters at the break.

Ribb made changes, bringing Neil Gemmell on at scrum half with Mark Mortimer switching to back row for Chris Wallbank, Jake Kelly came on for John Thwaite.

Pontefract were probably glad to see the back of the Ribb skipper for his troublesome scrummaging was disrupting them but relief was short-lived as Kelly turned in a powerful performance.

The Settle outfit began the second half as they had the first but this time added a cutting edge.

A lovely little run by Bryan McGeoch opened the defence, Dean Stacey was on the stand off's shoulder to race over and put Ribb back in front.

Confidence was now restored and the visitors' scrum was lucky to escape as they were destroyed on their own line.

Another try was inevitable and Evans received the ball and crashed over for his second try.

Carr probably prefers not to have the kicking duties so he can concentrate on rampaging with his back row sidekick Ryan Kirkbride, but his well struck conversion may mean that he will be asked to swing his right leg again.

At 22-10 the Dalesmen appeared safe but a couple of wayward kicks gave Pontefract the chance to counter attack and a penalty reduce Ribb's advantage.

McGeoch left the field, but not before a verbal and physical spat with one of the larger members of the opposition pack. Sean Kennedy was the replacement and he slotted seamlessly into the proceedings.

Another Pontefract penalty sliced the gap but their attack lacked the fluency of their first half purple patch and Ribb deservedly took the points.

On the evidence of this display they should not be languishing in the lower reaches of the table; indeed, as the postponed games are reeled off they seem likely to improve their standing. The next six weeks will be interesting.