This week we welcome Wath Upon Dearne to Mallorie Park. Wath have endured a mixed start to the New Year. They were heavily defeated at Roundhegians but the week after put in an excellent performance to beat Yarnbury 30 points to 13. Back in September we went down 25-7 at Moor Road and I am sure today will be another closely contested game.

We have not had the brightest of starts to 2018. With two narrow defeats we have slipped down to tenth in Yorkshire Two, which is a place we do not want to be at! With the two defeats, one at home and the other away, we have not played without spirit or endeavour; we do, however, need to improve discipline, cut out silly mistakes and make the right decisions when it counts. We are well capable of getting back to winning ways and today provides a perfect opportunity to do so. As a Club we have to get behind the lads and offer as much support and encouragement as we can!

I have put out a call for action in the Club for members and friends to help and support our first Beer Festival on 30th June 2018. There is a Club meeting at 7.00pm, Friday 26th January when I will unveil the plans and ask for your assistance to make this event happen! The day will be a family fun day, live bands, food and excellent ale to taste. Please come along to the meeting, help if you can and support the event.

I hope you enjoy today’s rugby, I know one or two members will be nursing the consequences of what I am sure will have been another excellent Sportsman’s Dinner, organised by Andy Proud. I would like to thank you for your support, which is appreciated by us. Come on Ripon!