Yorkshire Cup round 1 and a trip to Morley, A first for everyone, as we have never played there before. Unfortunately we could only take a squad of 22 so 10 players were disappointed not to get a game. Hass pointed this out before the game, making the point that those selected had a responsibility to perform well on the day. The team responded well, running in 7 trys from 5 different players.
Luke Bell got the first to settle the nerves after a tight first five mins. Line-outs are still a work in progress, so it was nice to see the second come from the back of a rolling maul from a line-out ten metres out, OB touching this one down. Prop James Gatford did the hard work for the third, a great run split the defensive line and when he was pulled down short of the line Ben Borchard backing up well went over to score. Lucian Wray popped up for the next after a good run from inside his own half, saw Joe Middlemiss stopped ten metres out, with the ball recycled Lucian was far too quick for the defence and touched down by the posts.
New second rower George Stratford ran in the next from the 22. Luke Bell finished off two well worked moves through the backs to record a hat-trick of trys. Jake Robinson hit three conversions to give a final score of Morley 0--41 Ripon.
The full squad of 22 played their part defending well, and attacking the rucks and loose ball strongly. On the downside Harry Stratford injured his shoulder, however it’s not too bad and he should be back playing in a couple of weeks.
TRYS Luke Bell 3
Oliver Bowett
Ben Borchard
Lucian Wray
George Stratford
CONS Jake Robinson