In a game that definitely went the way of the Yorkshire Division Two pundits, Ripon visited Keighley’s glorious setting in Airedale and despite another promising line-up, simply didn’t get into their own game until too late. Whilst the score tally of 10 tries to 6 suggests a relatively open and free scoring game, nothing could be further from the truth. Keighley’s powerful pack were key in subduing any spirit the visitors showed in trying to make a mark on the game, certainly in the first half and when they started to tire in the second half, Ripon just ran out of time in which to make the score line closer. With a losing bonus point for scoring four tries or more, Ripon are staying in League contention for another week and are definitely not letting results lower their morale; as they plot the course of their long term resurgence plan.

Throughout the game, in the tight play situation, despite the home side’s size advantage and distinctively physical approach, the honours were pretty even. Both sides consistently won their own ball from the set piece and yet the key difference in the first half at least, was that Keighley made few mistakes and every time they pressed the Ripon line, they scored. With a first half tally of seven tries, thank heavens the Keighley Number 10 wasn’t as good at his place kicking as he was at his positional and defensive counter-kicking.

In the first half apart form a few un-sustainable advances, Keighley pretty much stifled Ripon’s attempts to unleash their powerful back line. When they were let go, the Ripon backs suffered from very poor support play, wrong decisions and poor ball retention. The only highlight of the half for Ripon was an incisive break in which stalwart Centre Mark Spilman appeared twice to batter on through the defence, before releasing Joe Mpyana to score wide out for an unconverted try.

The second half saw a different Ripon come out of the blocks. With an ill-timed injury, Skipper Adam Newcombe saw out the rest of the game from the bench and witnessed a genuine passion from the Ripon players that saw them tear apart the points-difference between the two sides. A further five tries followed from Joe Mpyana, Joe Duffield (2), Tom Newby with his first try in adult Rugby and Mark Spilman to top off a gritty display at Inside Centre. Bob Whitaker, who was critical to keeping play flowing from set piece and breakdowns, as well as doing more than his fair share of tackling, added to the score board with four conversions. Notable was Joe Duffield for his consistently brave defence and scintillating counter-attacking pace and congratulations were due to Ben Buckley on his 1st XV debut following in his father’s footsteps.

With the League season almost a third of the way through, Ripon as a club has set out some achievable challenges for its players. Consistently fielding three adult teams is gradually becoming a reality, as is the securing of a pipeline of talent between age grade and adult Rugby. What remains to be more positively responded to; is the commitment of more senior players to train and play more regularly, for all senior players to develop a spirit of ownership for the club, its values and where it needs to position itself to sustain its future.

This weekend Ripon are back at home again, to old adversaries Knottingley, playing what is hoped to be their only visit of the season to Mallorie Park. Last season, the Ripon home game became controversially void after a refereeing decision over foul weather conditions and the playability of the pitch. At this point in the season, it is very much anticipated that with the current weather patterns and the superb condition of the pitch, ninety minutes of Rugby will be possible. Apart from the weather, a lively home crowd is likely to lift Ripon sufficiently to increase their points tally in the League and start to string together some consistently good performances. The squad knows what needs to be done, so the time for putting the hard training effort into match winning performances is upon all. Next fixture: Ripon 1st XV home at Knottingley Saturday 25th October, kick off 3.00pm, players meet at Ripon 12.15pm. All support is very welcome.