1st XV Match Report - Saturday 16th April

This week was always going to be a test of where Ripon now see themselves within Yorkshire 2 against a strong West Leeds squad that hasn’t lost this season. Ripon’s preparation was spot on with every player eager to get started and put in a good performance. With Scott McAra , Dom Butler and skipper Adam Newcombe returning to a 1st team squad that is now showing depth across the board.

The typical April weather conditions, hail followed by sunshine followed by rain, played its part as the ball and ground became increasing slippery. Despite this both team started with determination and the wish to play expansive rugby. For 25 minutes Ripon held West Leeds to a battle up front with a number of try saving tackles from Jake McRobert as well as the Ripon back row. A number of concerted phases of play saw Ripon push into the West Leeds half only to be thwarted with the odd mistake or turnover. West Leeds showed why they are top of the league with patience and self-belief in their game plan pushing Ripon back into its own half with some great tactical kicking by their half backs. A period of 10 minutes saw Ripon on the back foot throwing their bodies into tackles to keep the opposition out. Following a yellow card for Pete Taylor for an infringement around the ruck West Leeds opted for the scrum and scored their 1st try of the game which was converted. The remaining period of the 1st half was similar with Ripon still defending like demons and only succumbing after a period defending their own line. It was whilst defending our line that George Foster tried to put a big tackle in to prevent a score and had to leave the pitch with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

With the half time score 0-12 Ripon started the 2nd half showing character and determination to fight back. After a penalty for West Leeds early in the 2nd half the game then started to open up with a number of breaks by each side just coming up short with some handling errors in cold and wet conditions. Again Ripon held their own until the 70th minute when West Leeds turned over a ruck on the half way line, counter attacked out wide and after a neat kick through scored under the posts. This was followed 5 minutes later with a flowing move from deep within the West Leeds half that saw them score under the posts after some slick handling. Ripon were finally rewarded for all their effort and determination when Jack Stiddard touch down after a well controlled maul. The final score ending 29-5 to West Leeds.

Despite what looks like a clear loss the Ripon players showed a solid display of determined defending and the character to never give up, both great foundations that can be built upon for next season. Next week Ripon travel to Sheffield Medicals for the last game of the season which promises to be a great encounter. The coach is booked and everyone is welcome to come and cheer on the Ripon side, kick off 3.00pm, coach returning at 11 ish.

Our best wishes and support from everyone at the club goes out to George Foster, a talented and brave player, who had to be taken to hospital after the game with a very painful dislocated shoulder. The latest news is that after a 3 hour operation his shoulder was put back in and he is now recovering at home.