U15's A Close Contest

This fixture against Wharfedale always seems to be a good one to watch, and this one did not buck the trend. Wharfedale where pinned back as Ripon set off at pace. Twice Ripon got to the try line, helped by a succession of penalties, James Gatford and Rob Heaton both unable to get the ball down. As often happens when points are missed out on, Wharfedale took the lead with their first real chance of the game 0-5.

The lead lasted only minutes before Olly Bowett stole the ball off the front of a Wharfedale lineout and ran the ball in from almost the halfway line to go ahead 7-5. The game was tight with both sides having chances, Wharfedale fast down the wings and Ripon making good ground up the middle.
Willis, Gatford, and Ric Castle-Ward all having good runs. Olly Bowett was unbeatable in the lineouts and was awarded Man of the Match.

Again Wharfedale took the lead with a converted try 7-12. Ripon pressed on and were unlucky again on the line to be held up. Ripons reward came from the forwards, Rob carried the ball deep into the Wharfedale twenty-two where prop Sam Headford picked the ball off the back off the ruck and got
within inches off the line before being stopped, quickest to react was James Willis who went over the top to touch down.

Final score 12-12. Man of Steel award was given to Joe Middlemas for several good tackles and one cover tackle on the wing in the last moments of the game.