Not wanting my literary juices to dry up over the festive season and with no playing matters other than an entertaining 3rd XV performance against Rowntree’s on Saturday to comment on, I thought I’d just share a view from this part of the management team at the halfway point of the season. It is a shame that the other adult teams aren’t able to provide match reports after their games, either for the website, the Gazette, or both. I’m sure many players would cherish the prospect of seeing their names in print and their playing exploits noted for posterity. I guess not many people keep scrap books these days and difficult to imagine how a “web mention” will be saved for the future, but nevertheless, people like to be recognised for achievements. It is also the sort of stuff that leads to banter and club spirit, so worthy of a few thoughts perhaps? I would gladly restrict my submissions to less words if it helped create space in the Gazette, or encouraged other contributors to take up website space.

Talking of Saturday’s 3rd XV game on Saturday, definitely a game of two halves, which saw a spirited Rowntree’s side do their best to disrupt any flow to Ripon’s game and utilise the referee’s interpretation of the laws to their advantage. In the end however, experience showed and taking the opportunity to call on the talents of a number of seasoned campaigners, Ripon ground out a solid victory. It was refreshing to see so many supporters on the touchlines, particularly from the 1st and 2nd XV squads who were without games. The pitch-side banter and encouragement was very welcome and might, if used to good effect, be an effective contribution to future 1st XV performances at Mallorie Park. The fatal flaw in that concept I guess is that if the 1st XV are on the pitch, who will provide the banter and encouragement from the touchline? Over to you loyal supporters. It was a good club occasion however, with a lot of players old and new, sharing a drink and a chat, just like a Rugby Club should be.

Back to where we left off and it might be useful to reflect on what we have, or haven’t achieved so far this season in the 1st XV:

Games played - 15 (13 league games completed, 1 abandoned and 1 cup game)

Won - 2
Lost - 14
Points for - 213
Points against - 418
Best win - Sheffield Medicals (H) 31 – 22
Worst loss - Barnsley (A) 34 – 7
Bonus point losses - 5

Players utilised - 39 (last season overall 51)
Under 18s played - 9
Under 21s played - 6

Most points - Bob Whitaker 62
Most tries - “Smoking” Joe Mpyana 6
Most appearances - Adam Newcombe and Sam Britton 15

Not particularly damning statistics playing-wise and we remain marginally above the “drop-zone”, but a definite indication of work in progress. The fact that we can field a full team at Under 21 is a testament to the success of our junior to senior programme and the timely introduction of youth players with more experienced colleagues. We could however do with some more detailed genetic engineering that helps produce a few more substantial prospects for the future to fill in the “front five” berths as they will surely become vacant. That aside, the subtle blend of youth and experience is what we have and all players and officials need to embrace that policy and offer endless support and encouragement to develop skills, confidence and teamwork. The Club can stay in Yorkshire Two and continue to compete with the rest of the clubs in the Division. All it needs is a bit more commitment from a few on the training pitch and on Saturdays and the results will surely come.

Not wishing to spoil anyone’s Christmas festivities, training for Thursday night is cancelled and replaced by a session on Saturday 27th December at 1.00pm prompt. As mentioned previously, this is an “all player call to arms”, for a good work out, followed by a festive “catch up” session in the bar, with a Premiership game on TV. The next training after that will be Tuesday 30th December at the usual evening time, in preparation for the West Leeds game. All players of all teams are encouraged to join in all sessions and keep up the good work.

I do wish to reiterate to all our staff, players, officials and other volunteer helpers in all playing groups, sponsors, patrons, supporters and significant others, have a joyous festive season and let’s face the second half of the Rugby Season with positivity and enthusiasm. A club is only as good as what its members want it to be! Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all.