1st XV Match Report - Saturday 27th January

Talking of “bogey sides”, the cognoscenti of Shaw Lane were somewhat in trepidation of this third encounter of the season. With a league win in October and a narrow defeat in the Cup in November, to the Blues in the bag, and despite Barnsley’s recent good form, the locals were concerned that Ripon’s previous record against them would put an end to their winning ways. Unfortunately and in keeping with their performances over the last few games, Ripon were again to prove the pundits wrong. The defeat was not exactly crushing, but with a points difference of twenty points and five tries to one, the game again posed questions of the Ripon defence, as well as how the side can fail to turn relentless pressure in attacking play into points.

Admittedly, the Ripon set piece was probably at an all-time low in a season in which scrum and line out dominance has waxed and waned. Sometimes supremely dominant, others decidedly shaky, on this occasion, both were in dire straits and failed, despite courageous efforts, to create any decent attacking opportunities. Thus, without a solid platform from which to play, Ripon were often confined to making the most of static or back-pedalling possession, or fortuitous turnover ball. That they did well and all credit to the inventiveness of the Ripon attack and some magical handling moves that would be worthy of recording for posterity. Unfortunately again, as the games are no longer recorded on video, those memorable moments are confined to the annals of history and bar talk.

On an afternoon that was as cold and unwelcoming as the Shaw Lane patrons and with an exchange referee from South of Watford, the game was set for some lively commentary from the stand and some interesting pauses for reflection from the match official. Overall, the arbitrary decisions were logical and justified and apart from playing nigh on 15 minutes of stoppage time the precision of the refereeing was good. A plus point was his use of the yellow card on two occasions against the hosts, one occurrence of which actually yielded a score for Ripon. This was the first instance of “power play” advantage actually producing results this season and with so many opponents “taking 10” on the bench, this is an area where Ripon do need to exploit the circumstances. What was remarkable for Ripon was the overall discipline of the team as a whole. Throughout the game, Ripon only conceded four penalties against the host’s twelve. Critical however, was the conversion of penalty opportunities into points. In this respect, Ripon let too many point scoring opportunities go begging and uninspiringly flogged the dead horse of a line out, to the grave with ambitious touch kicks that failed to deliver any advantage.

It is difficult to encapsulate the Ripon effort and contribution to the game without airing some frustration. Much of this is considered and discussed in pre-match, half time and full time briefings. Some words spring to mind – glimpses of brilliance; unforced errors; forward dominance; forward non-dominance; panache and style; awkwardness and lack of fitness. These inconsistencies are what the opposition teams identify early on and exploit to their advantage. Ripon are capable of much, much more, but need to show a week on week commitment to learning from errors and consistently delivering to their full potential.

This was definitely a game of two halves, in which the opening session was charged with action, reaction and some excellent Rugby from both sides. From the host’s kick off, there was pressure aplenty and counter attacks to follow. Thus the first half was graced with end to end play, attack and counter attack and a real feel that both sides were in a hotly contested game. Admittedly, the Ripon set piece didn’t deliver to full expectations, but there were still opportunities for the strong runners to show their paces. Much of the first half saw the likes of Graham and Leeming making many yards out wide and Rob Nicholson, Dalby, Barker and Euan Findlay making the hard yards up front. On the whole, everyone carried with purpose and precision, the side however lacked penetration and on so many occasions, the solid Barnsley defence held up to the end. Notable was Callum Findlay’s input on the Wing. Defensively he did what was expected and gave plenty of aggression in attack.
An indication of the sheer bad luck that Ripon experienced was the crossing of the Barnsley line on three occasions in the first quarter to no score and the reverse being true for the hosts, who scored a converted try on each of the occasions on which they entered the visitors’ 22 metre area.

Ripon did effect many phases of play and showed much in the way of handling talent, if slightly deficient in the tackling department. At the end of the first quarter and trailing 7 – 0, a Ripon penalty touch kick resulted in a lost line out close to the home line. A quick witted Rob Nicholson charged down the attempted clearance kick and followed though to touch down for Ripon’s opening and only try. Patrick Whitaker slotted the conversion over from the touch line with his usual ease to level the scores.

After that, Barnsley laid siege for large parts of the quarter and scored a further three converted tries; largely through the dominance of their burly Number 8 and slippery Outside Centre. Ripon’s answer was restricted to two precisely struck penalty goals by Whitaker, to take the half time score to 28 – 13.

The second half was not one for the faint hearted, with both sides slogging away hammer and tong. Barnsley had the edge in attack and Ripon bulked up in defence, as well as creating some exciting scoring opportunities. Despite best efforts however, both sides looked incapable of scoring and a 0 – 0 draw for the half would have been a fair reflection on both team’ efforts. Sadly, in the eight minute of second half injury time, Barnsley launched a speculative attack that saw their Number 8 plough though many attempted tackles to release the backs for a soft run in for the last nail in Ripon’s coffin. Thankfully the conversion went astray to limit the final score to 33 – 13. Ripon have much to be proud of and much to play for. Consistency is the key and re-establishing previous strengths and playing to them will help in the next half of the season.

Next Saturday, Ripon entertain old friends and rivals Roundhegians at Mallorie Park, for what must be a gritty performance from the hosts. Ignore the opening weekend of the Six Nations and get yourselves on the touchline for some close up action. Kick off at 2.15pm; all supporters continue to be very welcome.