U15's A Tougher Test for Ripon

A short ride down the road to Harrogate this week for the 15s, and with the coaches asking for sixty minutes of commitment Ripon started at a fast pace hitting the rucks early and forcing Harrogate to play on the back-foot. Ripon’s pack playing good phased rugby, moved the ball forward with strong running from Heaton, Gatford, and Burton.

The first score came after such work from the forwards, taking the ball to the 22 before the backs took over, crisp passing down the line to Charlie Briton who drew the defender before offloading to Jamie McGoohan for a easy run in. Ripon continued to press and came close with Rob Heaton, James Willis and Ric Castle-Ward being held up by good Harrogate defence. Harrogate levelled the score, running in a penalty from the 5 metre line down the blind side.

The game was played over three periods, and the second started well with Ripon regaining the lead with a well kicked penalty from Charlie Hynes. Both sides had good chances, Ripon’s Mat Sutton won the Man of Steel award for a strong run down the wing, handing off three players before being stopped. Harrogate also were away down the wing, only a last gasp tackle from Man of the Match Rob Heaton saving the try. Harrogate however took the lead, profiting from a Ripon knock on in their own 22 to run in.

The score going into the last third 10-7 to Harrogate. Harrogate refreshed their team and Ripon had a lot of defending to do. Some good one on one tackles from the backs, Owain Gillam in the thick of it and some good footwork from Lucian Wray at fullback. Harrogate scored two tries in the last period, Ripon guilty of two lapses of concentration, however a good performance and plenty learned for the future. Final score 22 - 7