1st XV Match Report Saturday 15th October 2016

In a spirited performance, Ripon held their heads high after yet another second half display of determination, ingenuity and sheer passion; but cruelly bowed out of this prestigious competition by a narrow margin.

Without wishing to belabour a point and also keen to avoid a precedent for a routine pattern of play, this was yet another “game of two halves”, in which Ripon gave the home team from Yorkshire Division One, far too much respect in the first half, maybe based on their inability to effectively counter their scrummaging power. Thus starved of a significant amount of quality possession, Ripon lived off scraps for much of the first half and whilst able to make some scintillating breaks and use their line out to good effect; simply weren’t able to put themselves in a scoring possession.

With some changes from the previous week’s pack, as well as a hastily rearranged back division, Ripon still looked the usual balance of youth and experience and with the positive results of the past two weeks, there was a real energy about their approach to the game. Notable was the inclusion, on merit, of two new young players: George Bentley, starting at Hooker and Under 18 Jack Newby, joining his brother Tom, to make the Newby family very proud. Credit to incoming players must also go to veteran Craig Wolloms, as fit and influential as ever, Jonty Lister, keen to break into the pack full time and a recall for Joe Duffield for his strike power out wide.

The first half score line of 20 – 0 rather flattered Selby and perhaps if easily fixed errors were eliminated, the chances of Ripon’s opposition scoring within the first few minutes, as on this occasion, will be avoided in future. The restart reception remains a problem, until such time as more players develop confidence under the high ball. Key to Ripon’s delayed success in this game were three major factors: The scrummage, previously rock solid, was a huge challenge and often the retreating scrum gave up ball that had limited use for Ripon’s backs. The knock on effect of the scrum was the urgency to attack hurriedly and without perhaps the usual composure and back up. This inevitably led to either the isolation and turnover of attacking players, or penalties for holding on until support arrived.

Looking closely at the first half, Selby’s three tries came firstly from their pressure on the Ripon scrum and their pouncing on the confusion, to catch the defence flat footed. This was then followed by two pretty routine line out catch and drives, one of which was converted. A solitary penalty goal made the score look promising for the hosts, but showed Ripon how much could be achieved in a game from exploiting errors.

From the initial kick off, Ripon faced a significant onslaught and just about gathered composure to settle themselves. A Selby off side at the clearance kick gave Ripon the chance to clear their lines with a penalty touch kick. The ensuing line out didn’t go well and despite a Selby knock on from the throw in and a Ripon scrum awarded; Ripon were shoved off their first put in and Selby immediately capitalised on the free ball to hack the ball on and score the opening try within two minutes. The conversion attempt thankfully went wide.

Ripon responded well from the restart and took the game back to the hosts, through strong running by Matt Taylor, Euan Findlay and Adam Newcombe. Pressure became sustained and Ripon worked their way to the Selby 22 metre area, when the unthinkable happened. A handling error in Ripon’s midfield allowed Selby to press through again and despite Duffield’s valiant defensive efforts to put the ball into touch, the hosts exploited their weight up front by driving home a line out catch and drive. Thus at 13 minutes, with a converted try, Selby edged further ahead to 12 – 0.

Not taking things lying down and acutely aware of the difficulties at the scrum, Ripon used speed and agility, as well as the fully functioning line out to good effect and sought to attack at every opportunity. Driving forward play made good yards and sniping runs by Scull and Seal did sufficient damage to keep Selby guessing.

Against the run of play from an increasingly confident Ripon, Selby’s next score at 21 minutes, was a cruel blow, but nevertheless, a lesson. Strong running from Plant and Newcombe took the play deep into home territory and only a breakdown in communications again allowed Selby in for an interception to launch the counter attack. An unfortunately judged tackle on the final Selby player led to a penalty kick to touch, with the catch and drive being yet another formality. Thankfully the conversion attempt went wide for the second time. A further Ripon indiscretion at 33 minutes, allowed for an easy penalty goal to take Selby’s first half tally to 20 – 0.

A Ripon counter attack just before the stroke of half time, saw a line out catch and drive fizzle out and the referee’s whistle blowing for a well-earned break.

The half time team talk was a reassessment of the squad’s mission and values. It was about minimising the effect of weaknesses and exploiting those in the opposition. Having determined that the Selby scrum was quite good, Ripon decided to look at quick ball and with Plant moving to Prop, things steadied somewhat. The ball winning machine that is Ripon’s line out, stepped up a gear and the likes of Findlay and debutant Bentley, generally made a nuisance of themselves all over the pitch.

The second half kick-off from Ripon, saw Plant not only hit the catcher with such momentum, but snatch the ball from his unsuspecting grasp and trundle off some 20 metres down the touch line. The momentum of the ensuing surge forward saw a home fumble and a Ripon scrum. Using quick ball to the left, through Seal and Newby, Duffield was in prime position to take the defending Winger on the outside. A carefully placed chip kick, saw Joe Duffield chase through to touch down for Ripon’s opening score. Scull narrowly missed the conversion, but Ripon were on the scoreboard.

Selby sought to counter attack straight away and when pressure from the next restart saw the hosts breaking loose, a try saving tackle from Andy Micklewight stopped the rot. The middle section of the second half, then saw Ripon attack from every opportunity and use what set piece possession they had intelligently. Selby, to their credit, defended well, but didn’t really look like doing anything other than exploit errors and that’s what they did later on.

Sustaining the early momentum, from the Selby restart, Ripon pieced together a pacey attack, involving multiple phases of play before Findlay burst loose to gift Bentley for his first try in Ripon colours. Scull made no mistake of the conversion. Findlay was then so instrumental in the next few minutes of play, both in defence and attack, unstoppable and determined play from this energetic character resulted in him claiming his own try midway through the second half. Ripon were pressing forward and a number of penalty advantages were offered by the referee, so with the ongoing momentum, Ripon were able to set up a driving maul that resulted in Findlay touching down. Scull added the conversion to make the score 20 – 19 with ten minutes to go and Ripon looking very capable of winning the match.

Selby clearly had other plans and from the restart, pressed forward to camp in the Ripon 22 metre area. Relentless attacks were repulsed and whilst Ripon attempted the odd break out, the bounce of the ball was often the wrong way and Selby just kept themselves in the driving seat. At 32 minutes, the Selby forward machine kicked into action again and after a penalty touch kick, took the line out catch and drive to score their first points of the half. The conversion attempt missed.

The final few minutes of the game were tense, with both sides slogging it out up front and out wide. No quarter was sought or given and the score line at the final whistle left more Selby supporters sighing with relief than the handful of the Ripon travelling faithful.

Whilst the kudos of a cup run could have been good for the club, there are a number of basics that need to be addressed. Firstly, the commitment of all playing members to play, so that we can field three sides consistently. Secondly, the commitment of as many players as possible to train, so that not only can the teams look like they know what they are doing on a Saturday, but also to improve individual and unit skills. Thirdly and finally, to sustain the positive feelings in the club about teamwork, membership and the social benefits of being part of something that is Ripon RUFC.

Next week, Ripon are back in League action again and travel to Old Grovians, with no preconceptions as to how difficult this game may be, so will be looking to learn from this week’s defeat. All support welcome as usual. Team meet time to be advised, kick off will be 3.00pm