Rishies put a big dent in promotion hopes of Scarborough

OLD Rishworthians put a major dent in Scarborough’s promotion hopes with a thoroughly deserved 24-18 bonus-point away win.

The home side gained plenty of possession but had no idea how to break down the visitors’ aggressive defence and, only near the end, found a way through.

From the first kick, the ball was gathered brilliantly in the air by left wing Anthony Shoesmith. From there Rishworthians patiently worked their way to the line until prop Josh Crickmay powered over.

Solid defence pinned Scarborough in their own half and it brought the chance for Shoesmith to intercept and dash 40m to score in the corner.

Finally they did get close to the Rishworthian line, but good defence won a turnover, with a clearance kick bringing a lineout near halfway.

It was taken quickly, but centre Sam Nunn intercepted and sped in for a third try, converted by scrum half Ed Cockroft, to make it 17-0.

In the second half Scarborough got two penalties.

Rishworthians hit back and from a lineout prop Harry Whitfield drove the ball close to the line and fellow prop Crickmay took it on to score his second try. Cockroft converted.

Scarborough finally got their game going and their hooker scampered over for a converted try.

As the visitors tired a clever crossfield kick brought an unconverted try in the corner.