1st XV Match Report Saturday 21st January 2017

Ripon made the journey to Sheffield with the intention of improving on the last league performance, which resulted in a meagre 10 all draw. Whilst not exactly a display of “total Rugby”, Ripon achieved the double win over league strugglers Sheffield Medicals and whilst not beating the previous points tally; with a seven try win, romped home to the Blues’ highest points difference of the season.

On a perfect pitch, but in cool, breezy and damp conditions, Ripon relished the prospect of being able to run with the ball. Compared with recent games at home and away, boggy conditions have cramped Ripon’s style and the excellent conditions at Norton proved a worthy field on which the team could show off its best attributes.

A key difference between this and any other game this season, whether a win or a loss, Ripon played 80 odd minutes with a smile on everyone’s face, a spring in everyone’s step and an overall feeling of happiness that at last they could play the game they wanted.

With a dominant scrum again and a back division that was incisive as well as creative, particularly in the form of Tom Gilchrist guesting at Full Back, Ripon dominated most phases of the game and were able to piece together numerous phases of play from every possession. Demonic tackling from the hosts was their saving grace and reduced Ripon’s scoring options to just seven tries, including one penalty try.

Outstanding for Ripon were Marcus Hockey and Dave Curry in the pack, who both provided plenty of go-forward ball. Pick of the backs was Richard Scull, with his clever game management and five conversions.

Ripon started strongly by forcing a dropped ball from the kick off. Hockey broke from the scrum and after two phases of recycling, Richard Scull chased his own grub kick through the defence to touch down for Ripon’s first try within two minutes of play. Scull narrowly missed the conversion.

Next followed a lean patch for 20 minutes in which Ripon perhaps over-played too much and made matters more complicated than they needed to be. The hosts tried to play, but without a solid platform up front, they were limited to living off scraps and had to make do with a solitary penalty goal on the half hour mark.

Ripon finally clicked at 26 minutes when from a scrum just before halfway, Hockey broke and made some 30 metres. James Audsley-Beck was on his shoulder to carry on the attack and increase Ripon’s score by a further try. Scull was again unlucky with the conversion attempt.

Towards the end of the half, more pressure on the Medics line resulted in a five metre scrum to Ripon. The pick and carry for Hockey was a formality and he crashed over for his first 1st XV try. Scull found his kicking boots to add the conversion allowing Ripon to go into the break with a comfortable 3 – 17 lead.

The second half saw a solid display of confident and cleverly played Rugby. The scrum provided excellent first phase ball and with strong running from the likes of Barker and Stiddard, started punching holes in the defence. The Medics however, held firm for a good 15 minutes before the floodgates opened.

Ripon took a penalty touch kick and from the ensuing line out, drove for the home line. With the maul illegally brought down, the referee awarded Ripon a penalty try, which Scull added the conversion to.

The final quarter of the game saw Ripon running freely and great handling skills through out the team. Further tries came from Hockey again, Euan Findlay and Dom Butler, with Scull converting all of them.

All in all, a solid display and one from which Ripon can take some comfort from the increasing strength in depth of the squad, with the likes of Curry and Mark Greenwood, stepping up to make their mark.

Next week, Ripon rest the 1st XV before entertaining Old Grovians at Mallorie Park on 11th February. All support welcome as usual, kick off will be 2.15pm.