Cunningly switching pitches at the last minute due to increasingly soggy ground conditions on the regular first pitch, Ripon sought to harness the enthusiasm of the club’s patrons after their lunch, to watch the game in both dry conditions underfoot as well as within a shorter stroll to the bar than normal. Corralled as they were in the patio area due to the bogginess of both touchlines, the support from the sponsors, patrons and other well-wishers, was focused, vocal and very, very welcome. A tremendous spirit has been building up within the club recently and despite the cancellation of the 2nd and 3rd XV games, due to the poor pitch conditions at Bradford and the high numbers of late cry offs in the 3rd team respectively, a large and lively crowd was present to watch a buoyant Ripon team take on Yorkshire Division Two, top three side Roundhegians. Support from sponsors and patrons is critical to the ongoing success of the club and this was a game that needed as many good wishes as possible behind it. Many thanks go from the players for this support as well as the many words of wisdom shared in the bar afterwards.

With limited opportunities to train outdoors over the previous two weeks, Ripon were pragmatic in their approach to the game. A confidently robust forward platform and an enterprising and exciting back-line bode well for a mighty clash with Roundhegians renowned forward power. Ripon prepared to exert their authority and exploit weaknesses where appropriate. What transpired over the next 90 minutes of play however was a mammoth contest of two evenly matched sides battling each other and the conditions and sometimes interpretations of the law; to grind out a result that would have consolidated Roundhegians in the top three, or could have moved Ripon ever closer to that status.

In the gathering gloom and deepening mud however, Ripon’s visitors from North Leeds slogged out a hard fought, but deserved victory to end Ripon’s recent winning streak and disappointment for the hosts that their best laid plans didn’t come to fruition. Dominant in many phases of the game, particularly the scrum and dangerous with the ball in hand, Ripon again showed that they can front up to the best. Frustratingly, a lack of clinical finishing on occasion was the difference between the two sides, with Ripon perhaps at times not showing the confidence of recent weeks. Perhaps it was the cold, the mud, the drizzle, the dark, or even some of the contested refereeing decisions, but Ripon allowed Roundhegians too much space at times to counter. The visitors used their driving maul to particularly good effect too many times and critically Ripon lost possession in attack, when better execution would undoubtedly have led to scores that could have changed the direction of the game.

To the game and Ripon kicked off into a stiff breeze that saw the visitors seek any advantage from the conditions. So for the first ten minutes, Roundhegians piled on the pressure to keep Ripon in their own half. Comfortable on and off the ball, the home team looked to exploit the short yards and gain territory incrementally. Whether it was nerves, or pressure, many of Ripon’s early exchanges ended in unforced errors and continuity was limited however. What did emerge in the first quarter was: Ripon’s dominance of the scrum and the increasing control of their own line out. Roundhegians’ stand out players in these areas were there Number 8, who recovered so much ball at the base of a retreating scrum and their Number 5, who tirelessly controlled the front of the line out.

Absorbing the early pressure, Ripon defended resolutely and took their chances to turn the tables with turnovers and the odd strike against the head in the scrum. At 15 minutes, the deadlock was broken when Ben Buckley calmly intercepted a floated pass to his opposite number and sprinted a full 50 metres in to open the scoring. Tombling effortlessly added the conversion into the wind.

After that, Roundhegians started to piece together some enterprising plays that continued to stretch Ripon’s defences. The close order work became more intense, as well as messy and was pretty much honours even. The visitors however, grew in strength with their driving maul and used it to dramatic effect in creating opportunities for two tries, one of which was converted. Turning around with a score line of 5 – 12, Ripon felt comfortable with their team fitness and a following wind for the second half.

From the restart of the second half, the conditions worsened for both teams. The light faded, the pitch cut up badly, the two teams became virtually indistinguishable from each other in the mud and any hope of fluid rugby was dashed in the mire. That said, both sides tried game-fully to increase the score line and bash out a victory. Only two events graced the scoreboard in the second half: a further try from the visitors and a penalty from Tombling.

Despite a number of extended and cohesive attacks from Ripon, either the defence held firm, or mistakes were made. No effort however was withheld by Ripon to a man, as they stepped up in both attack and defence to give the visitors a run for their money. Cruelly depleted to 14 men for much of the last quarter for indiscretions by two Ripon players, the weight of numbers showed through in the end for Roundhegians, who maintained their lead until the final whistle. Slightly confused by a call from the referee that five minutes remained, Tombling attempted to reduce the deficit to four points at around the forty minute mark. Pulling slightly wide, the visitors cleared, to be told by the referee that this was the last play. Thus, Ripon’s efforts to push for a draw were crushed by perhaps a misreading of the watch, but Roundhegians finished the game with a complete team on the pitch and a well won victory. Ripon, who at the start of the season would have been happy to take a losing bonus point in any game, were very disappointed in that a game there for the winning, was allowed to slip from their grasp.

Many positives emerged from the game and again an indication of Ripon’s growing strength as a club. Jason Bell recalled to the squad for his coolness under pressure and incisive counter-attacking skills at Full Back; Euan Findlay for his tireless harassment of anything not wearing a Ripon jersey and Adam Newcombe, for his exceptional leadership, consistently successful hooking in the scrums and all round impact on the game, carrying and tackling. There is much to play for just now and plenty of characters up for the challenge.

Next week Ripon travel to league leaders West Leeds, with a chance to further embed their recent successes in training and on the pitch, for what promises to be an interesting game. With Ripon’s ability to win and retain possession as well as defend cleverly a close encounter is promised. All travelling support is welcome as usual.