1st XV Match Report - 10th September 2016

It would be churlish to dwell on any negative impact on the team’s performance from last minute changes to the starting line-up. It might also be churlish to mention the psychological impact of starting and finishing a game with only two replacements, not to mention that almost the entire coaching staff, again took to the field, acquitting themselves with honours into the bargain. Notable too was the 1st XV debut of Ben Pilling and whilst he still has some growing to do physically, “punched” way above his weight in this keenly contested game. Notable also was the impact on the match of fellow Under 18 player, Matthew Taylor, who played one half on the wing and the other at flanker. Great testament to his grit, determination and ability.

Ripon went into this game with so many positives: over 40 players at training on Thursday evening; three teams confirmed as being available to play, and the confidence developed from two hard fought recent wins. Despite the unexpected disruption to the team, Ripon arrived at Copley in plenty of time to warm up properly and looked in good condition before the game. What followed, was an abject lesson in “total Rugby” from the hosts, who simply blew Ripon away for much of the game.

Fitter and faster by far, was the order of the day for Old Rishworthians and there was nothing “old” about their line either. Relatively young, but energised in such a way as to give them such a competitive edge over the whole game, the hosts battered Ripon with attack after attack and pretty much destroyed any initiative that Ripon hoped to capitalise on.

There were some fine glimpses of brilliance from Ripon and some good team dynamics from an effectively working line out and the many driving mauls that resulted from that success, kept Ripon in the game and the hosts on their toes. That said, with nine tries to one and a score-line made more palatable to Ripon from a number of missed conversions and penalty attempts, Rishworthians demonstrated perhaps the highest levels of fitness, tenacity and all round skills, not seen in other sides for a while. Not wanting to dwell too much on the opposition, but they did the simple things well, contested every breakdown and supported each other admirably. Credit where it is due.

To Ripon’s credit, the line out worked well and produced ample first phase possession to try and gain some ground. The scrum was less dominant than recently and it was perhaps this area of the game that prevented Ripon from making the most of their attacking opportunities. What was evident for the whole game, was Ripon’s poor defensive play and their inability on so many occasions to take out the ball carrier before they gained momentum. The hosts had a fine Centre partnership, who caused untold damage with their direct running and will be more than a match for any back division in the league.

Stepping up for Ripon throughout the game was player-coach Tom Gilchrist, who tackled effectively and carried more than any of the other Ripon forwards. Notable also was recalled student Warriner, who made an effective contribution to the line out and scored Ripon’s only try in the final quarter of the game.

The first half saw an almost total domination by the hosts, with five tries, four conversions and two penalties, to run up the score to 39 – 0 by half time. Ripon didn’t enter the home half until the 20-minute mark; through a probing kick from Tombling for Newby to chase. Unfortunately, as with so many other attacks, it was snuffed out and turned into yet another scoring chance for the hosts.

The second half saw Ripon more engaged in play and restricting the score to four tries to one. Gradually, Ripon grew in confidence and strung together some more effective phases of play and used the driving maul to good effect from a number of line outs. Energetic and disruptive defence, however, put paid to Ripon’s chances on these occasions. Ripon spent more time in the Rishworthians’ half as the game progressed and got closer to scoring more in the final quarter. Penalty offences and a crossing of the home line by Ripon, saw sustained pressure turn into more penalties and five metre scrum options, none of which resulted in scores.

Ripon’s moment of glory came on the 70 minute mark, when a Ripon attack in midfield took them deep into home territory. Scull and Dalby exchanged passes and the ball was recycled quickly to the left. Stiddard latched onto Scull’s short pass and quickly flicked it on to Warriner to dive over in the corner. Scull was just short of the conversion attempt.

Key points from the game: Old Rishworthians seemed faster and fitter all round and played at such a tempo for the whole game, both in attack and defence, that will make them very difficult to live with. Ripon need to take heart from the commitment of the coaches and the whole club, to play a good standard of Rugby and to secure the club’s status in the current league, whilst also providing inclusive access through each of the three teams. Doubtless there will be an enthusiasm to get back to the training field and get things back to an even keel.

Next week, Ripon entertain newly promoted Wetherby for their first 1st XV encounter for many years. Wetherby, will be looking to build on their recent run of success and Ripon will definitely be wanting to return to winning ways.
All support welcome as usual, kick off will be 3.00pm