On Saturday Ripon welcomed Thorne for the return fixture in the league knowing it would be another tough encounter after just winning the away fixture by a score. Conditions under foot were heavy but both sides tried to play expansive rugby with Ripon playing up the slope, with good pressure through strong carries from Jack Stiddard, Josh Seal and Dom Dalby. Ripon were creating opportunities and after a scrum 50 metres out Sam Britton and Scott McAra worked space for Joe Duffield to round his opposite number and score a much needed score, Richard Scull converting.

Ripon carried on trying to play with width sometimes to their detriment but on 30minutes Richard Scull spotted space on the right, kicked across for Joe Duffield to collect and again round the last defender to score. Another attacking phase saw strong running off James Audsley-Beck forcing Thornensians to concede a penalty just before half time which Richard Scull put over the bar making it 17-0 at half time.

The second half brought renewed vigor off Thornensians and a lot more defensive pressure was put on Ripon, some strong hits off Dom Dalby, Sam Britton and Matty Taylor but still too much ground gained in other areas resulted in Thornensians scoring 17-5. Ripon were still moving the ball and creating opportunities but needed to be more clinical with the chances they got. Thorne then scored a second unconverted try to finish the game 17-10.

Ripon worked hard as they always do and with a little bit better execution and a more pragmatic approach in the right areas will become the side they aspire to be. Saturday Ripon travel to Wath upon Dearne for what will be another hard game and will also be George Bentleys last game as he heads off to New Zealand.