Ripon Bluebelles vs Hemsworth

On Sunday Ripon’s Bluebelles took to the field for their second game of the season, hosting Hemsworth ladies on a rather dank and drab day.

The Bluebelles were a team of mixed experience with some players making only their first or second appearance in a competitive game of rugby, all however were keen and committed. Hemsworth were of the same mindset and the game turned out to be a very hard fought and physical encounter, played in excellent spirit and sportsmanship.

From the first whistle both teams enjoyed possession but found it hard to find a rhythm and settle into the game. The physicality of Hemsworth finally created a lot of ground for them and when the Bluebelles ran out of defenders, Hemsworth capitalised and burst across the Ripon line to get the first points onto the board with a converted try.

From the restart Hemsworth continued to use the physical route which had brought them success and again ground was conceded by Ripon. This time however the Bluebelles began to improve their defensive line and some huge tackles slowed the Hemsworth advance, and great work at the tackle breakdown drew penalties from Hemsworth. With possession turned over the Bluebelles carried hard themselves and broke holes in Hemsworth’s defensive line, quick recycled ball from the experienced Ripon scrum half saw the ball out through the backs and Jo Martin crossed the line after a bruising run to claim her first competitive try for the Bluebelles.

With Ripon behind at half time by 2 points, they were keen to impose themselves on the game now that all pre match nerves were gone and they could see the task ahead of them. Using quickly recycled ball again to try and get around the strong Hemsworth defence, the experience and decision making of Liv Ward told as the fleet of foot fly half charged between defenders and dotted down under the posts. The momentum swung in Ripon’s favour now and with their tails up they enjoyed prolonged possession again. Repeated forward carries gained territory and drew in the Hemsworth defence until this time it was Jo Hammond who was on the last pass and although with still a lot of work to do, she was able to power around her defender and score.

The score line was 17-12 in Ripon’s favour and the game was taking its toil on the Bluebelles with several players side-lined through injuries and knocks. Hemsworth hunted the win and picking up their power game again they broke the Ripon defences and crossed into Bluebelle’s 22. Relentless pressure was soaked up by Ripon, but Hemsworth squeezed over the whitewash in the corner and the scores were level. Now it was Ripon’s turn to pick up the game that had rewarded them previously, and using nimble forward work, hard carries, quick support and fast recycling of the ball, the ball found it way into the hands of Liv Ward who dummied through a gap and crossed the Hemsworth line under the sticks. With the score now 24-17 to Ripon, Hemsworth fought to the end. The defensive effort from the Bluebelles in the last 5 minutes of the game was almost the stuff of legend. Battered and bruised, the Bluebelles left everything on the pitch, tackle after tackle after last ditch tackle was made and the power of Hemsworth was repelled.

The match finished 24-17 to Ripon in what was a brutal contest played within excellent spirit.