Noon on target in title showdown

North Ribblesdale pulled off a key win in their quest for the title when they scored a 17-7 home victory over Knottingley, who were previously only one point behind in second place.

Although both sides scored one try, Ribblesdale pressured the visitors into mistakes and Steve Noon kicked four penalties to give them their winning margin.

Captain and centre Ben Topham ran in Knottingley's try.

West Park Leeds moved up to second place with a 23-13 win at bottom placed Hessle.

Ripon also dropped a position when they were pipped 14-13 at lower-placed Barnsley.

Two early penalties by Andrew Appleyard put the home side ahead but Ripon edged in front with a try by No 8 Paul Scott, converted by Andy Brown.

Appleyard's third penalty put Barnsley back in front, but penalties either side of half-time by James Audsley-Beck gave Ripon the upper hand until stand-off Appleyard raced over for the winning try in the corner in the 74th minute.

Doncaster Phoenix came from behind for a 17-5 home win over West Leeds, all the scoring coming in the first half as Phoenix were forced into defence after the break.

Leeds took the lead with an early try by winger Keir Breakwell but Phoenix gained the upper hand with a penalty by Ben Miller and tries by centre James Mortimore and winger Ben Atkinson, both converted by Miller.