U15's A Solid Performance Despite the Loss

Ripon U15s cup run came to an end with a well matched game away to Roundhegians. The home team started the better, with the sun behind them they put two quick tries on the board before Ripon got into their stride. Things could have been worse had Luke Ratcliff not pulled off a great one-on-one tackle as the last defender. Trailing 10-0 Ripon stepped up the pace, with some good phased rugby, and strong running from the forwards took them into the Hegians 5 metre several times, James Gatford, Rob Heaton and James Willis all getting to the line but good defence pushing them back repeatedly.

Closest to scoring was Olly Bowett, a great run up the line, but in danger of being put into touch he could not control the ball, as he lunged to ground it one handed in the corner. This turned out to be the last action of the first half. 10-0 to Hegians.

Quick off the blocks in the second half Ripon’s backs pulled one back. The ball was put over the Hegians line for Jake Robinson to chase, his kick on was chased down by Ben Borchard who touched down only inches from the dead ball line. Hegians hit straight back with two tries, however Ripon responded well and piled on the pressure. The reward was a good team try, the forwards rock solid in the scrum, ball along the line to Lucian Wray who had a fine game at fullback and capped it with a well finished try, He also picked up the Man of the Match award for his efforts.

Ripon had the upper hand now however time was not on their side, they kept pushing and scored a third try in the last minute, again the ball played down the line this time to Miles Naylor who somehow managed to bring the ball down from full stretch with his fingertips and put the ball out to Jake on the overlap who had a simple run in to score. Miles was awarded the Man of Steel award.

Roundhegians got the win 20-15 but a good game, a solid performance by the whole squad.