Sat 14 Mar 2020, 15:00
Roundhegians 35 – North Ribblesdale 25
Hegians were back at home for the 2nd week in a row after a good win the previous week against Old Grovians. They were able to name a strong team again with Dave Wilson returning for Ronan McKernan in the pack and Ewan Cameron back on the wing.
North Ribblesdale were in good form and on a good run so Hegians were expecting a tough game. From the kick off Hegians were immediately on the attack and threatening the North Ribblesdale line and only good defence kept them out. Eventually Hegians were awared a penalty and a good kick from Alex Jones took them to a 3-0 lead on 6 minutes.
From the kick off Hegians were immediately back on the attack forcing a series of penalties. Some powerful forward play from Ali Coe and Dave Wilson in particular made sure that North Ribblesdale were constantly on the backfoot. Hegians were held up close to the line on more than one occasion. Hegians were recycling the ball quickly and moved the ball well to he right wing before bringing it back to the left well for Tom Bennett to score a good try in the left corner. With Alex Jones adding the conversion Hegians went in to a deserved 10-0 lead
Hegians were still playing positively but North Ribblesdale tried to use the wind and this involved an exchange of kicks until James Dobson was charged down and the ball bounced up for the North Ribblesdale winger to kick on and score to the left of the posts. The conversion was missed to take the score to 10-5. Within 5 minutes North Ribblesdale narrowed the margin even further with a penalty on 28 minutes.
Hegians had been in charge for most of the half but found themselves only 2 points ahead but they stepped up the pressure and immediately forcing a penalty which Alex Jones struck well to extend the lead to 13-8. Within 2 minutes they scored another excellent try due to some strong running from winger Ewan Cameron who broke through 2 or 3 tackles to score in the corner. The try was converted through an excellent kick from Alex Jones to extend the lead to 20-8.
Hegians were not finished and mounted a wave of attacks, which were only kept out by some very good defending by North Ribblesdale but as Hegians were able to recycle the ball quickly they eventually ran out of defenders as Hegians moved the ball well to the left and Tom Bennett scored a well taken try in the corner just before half rime
Half Time – Roundhegians 25 -North Ribblesdale 8
From the kick off Dave Wilson caught the ball and ran hard into the opposition forwards breaking a number of tackles. The ball was then carried through several phases into the opposition half and with a huge overlap, James Dobson was able to crash over for the bonus point try. The conversion was well struck by Alex Jones to take the lead to 32-8.
With the game seemingly won Hegians were a bit guilty of relaxing too early and at the same time North Ribblesdale raised their game to mount a comeback. For 10 minutes Hegians were forced on to the defensive as the opposition managed to exert pressure through their stronger scrummage. Eventually the pressure told and North Ribblesdale forced their way over for a converted try to bring the score back to 32-15.
Hegians tried to respond but they were leaking penalties and giving ground. North Ribblesdale forced a second try through their quick winger, taking the score to 32-20 with about 20 minutes left. Hegians raised their game and for the first time in the half started to gain territory and possession. They pushed for an additional score as Alex Jones just missed a kick at goal for a penalty awarded. Tom Bennett almost got his hat trick but the touch judge pulled it back for a foot in touch. Hegians were tackling well now and the forwards were strong at the breakdown, turning over ball and forcing penalties again. Alex Jones had another chance to add 3 points from a penalty but his foot slipped and he pushed it wide. With a few minutes to go Tom Foxton was yellow carded for persistent offences. North Ribblesdale eventually decided to run the ball and their winger scored his second try with a strong run. With the conversion missing the deficit was reduced to 7 with only 3 minutes left.
For the last part of the game Hegians camped deep in the opposition half and moved through a number of phases until James Dobson had positioned himself to take the chance for a drop goal which he struck well to seal the win. With only a few seconds left after the restart, James Dobson kicked the ball off the park and Hegians celebrated the win and promotion.
Full Time Roundhegians 35 – North Ribblesdale 25
A good performance from 
Hegians, beating an in form team to reach enough points to make certain of promotion. With games now cancelled for the next few weeks we don’t currently know when the next game will be but Hegians have won 19 out of the 22 league games this season and fully deserve their position at the top of the league. Hegians have played some good rugby throughout the season and the backs have scored some excellent tries, supported by a dynamic pack who have provided them with a platform to demonstrate their pace and skill. Well led by top scorer and captain Alex Jones they fully deserve their promotion to Yorkshire 1
