The Ripon Women returned to Mallorie park after reforming in January of this year not really knowing what to expect from the match against Halifax Ladies. Like the weather, sunny one minute then pouring with rain the next, the mood in the changing room was mixed. Nervous excitement, aware that to them and some others, today was a big deal.

Halifax started strongly, using their big pack to try to establish dominance over the Ripon forwards but were stopped in their tracks by the Ripon back row. This allowed the front five to settle into the game, resulting in a hard forward battle which eventually lead to flanker Emily Santry making the first try for Ripon. Halifax came back hard and fast to equal the score, taking Ripon by surprise.

Making sure that this didn't happen again, Ripon forwards fought hard for the rest of the first half but with both backlines cancelling out each other out resulting in them going into half time at 5-5.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with both teams competing hard but with the welcome return of Emma Green into the front row Ripon edged ahead with Emma showing a new found understanding of her role in the close game, gaining ground and retaining possession. This tactic eventually allowed Charlotte Thompson to exploit the small gaps in the Halifax defence and finally succeeded in powering through to score Ripons second. Again, shortly after the restart Halifax took advantage of Ripons inexperience and quickly scored their second to bring the score to 10-10.

The next ten minutes saw both teams fighting hard over every inch of ground until Ripons Nikki Gill executed a classic number 9 break around the edges of the ruck to make a 60 yard gain before being pulled down 3 metres short. After 2 or 3 quick, hard fought phases took Nikki over the line, Kate Taylor was able to secure the ball resulting in a third try. As Ripon prepared for the next restart a stern reminder from Jess Lane ensured that they did not allow history to repeat itself, digging deep they finished the game on the front foot, not allowing the experience of Halifax to unsettle them.

The final score of 15-10 showing how far the Ripon Women have come in such a short time, even surprising themselves in their first full game, delighting the players and spectators equally. Ripon Women have shown their hard work, dedication and commitment to training paying off in the best possible way.

The Ripon Women and Girls section train every Monday at Mallory Park from 7pm, all ages from 11 upwards and all abilities are welcome, see Ripon Rugby's website for more details at www.riponrugby.org
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