U16's Match Report vs West Park Leeds

West Park came to roll us over today, what a shock they got. Ripon matched the opposition in every way. I don’t know how long we played for but with four minutes left it was still 0-0. Ripon had rotated twenty-four players onto the pitch, West Park brought eighteen.

Ripon had lost our number 10 with a serious injury (broken elbow) and our full back was in an ambulance (broken leg) before West Park Leeds made a score. Every player in a Ripon shirt played their heart out, I cannot single anyone out, they all played with passion and desire, not to win but to play as a team and play as we think Rugby should be played.

We are trying to progress as a team and today was probably the biggest step forward we have made. The final score 12-0 flatters West Park in no way were their two tries better than us.

Update on injuries - Archie Hassall is having an operation today on his broken elbow and Miles Naylor has a broken leg and is potted up for 6 – 8 weeks. Hope both have a speedy recovery, they will be missed.

Message from Ian Hassall to the team:
“Just a quick note from me to say how proud I was not only on the way you played but also on the way you behaved. Days like today put things in perspective as to where we are on and off the field and that we are heading in the right direction WELL DONE”