With conditions underfoot not conducive to running Rugby, Ripon heroically slogged it out against an in form Barnsley side and dragged themselves out of the relegation zone by one point. Despite the rapid deterioration of the pitch into cold, boggy mud, both sides sought to vary their games; with some intense passages of close order forward play as well as scintillating back line attacks. What told for Ripon was their consistently sound ball retention, organised defence and sustained attacking pressure. Not perfect by any means, with a scrum that struggled against Barnsley’s considerable bulk, but definitely a more cohesive team performance and testament to the payers’ commitment to training and putting that into effect in the game plans.

With five changes from the previous week’s side and a last minute cry off to contend with, Ripon’s youth rallied and stepped up to the mark, with inspirational performances from George Foster playing out of position at number 10 and Dom Dalby key to the forward effort. Other key influencers of the game were Rob Nicholson, who as a former back playing at Hooker, showed great skills in all aspects of play, including scoring the side’s only try; Tom Leeming, who was solid in defence and exciting in attack and Euan Findlay for mercilessly harassing the opposition. Solid as ever at Number 8 was Dud Stead, who turned so much scrum ball into useful possession, despite back-pedalling at a rate of knots.

Ripon kicked off and apart from one brief counter attack from the visitors, spent the first 25 minutes pinning Barnsley in their own 22 metre area. The Ripon forwards showed great tenacity in sustaining play and the visitors were just as gritty in defence. A Barnsley infringement for “side entry “ tot eh ruck, saw one of their Flankers yellow carded and the penalty opportunity on the 25 minute mark was gratefully slotted over by Tom Leeming to give Ripon a well deserved lead. Barnsley, ever keen to exploit any weaknesses, caught Ripon on the hop and wrong footed at the restart and surged up the middle of the field with their first real attack of the game. Only a try saving tackle and steal from Tom Newby prevented the score. Foster cleared the lines with a hastily scrambled kick.

From the ensuing line out, now at the half hour mark, the visitors worked a quick off the top move and spun the ball rapidly through their pacey backs to put their right Winger in for a try. The touchline conversion fell short, but Ripon knew they were in a game and had to ensure that their own scoring opportunities were finished off as clinically as the visitors. Ripon then pressed from the next restart and held Barnsley back in their own half for the next few minutes. Turning over visitors’ possession, Leeming broke free on the left wing to put Rob Nicholson in for a 30 metre dash for the line. Nicholson obliged with power and pace, brushing the Barnsley Full Back aside in the process to score a well earned try. Leeming just missed the conversion, but with noses in front, Ripon held on to their lead for the remaining minutes of the half to turn around 8 – 5 up.

The second half was played out in dreadful conditions and whilst no further points were scored, both sides tried to play as best they could. Ripon continued in the same vein, with gutsy attacks and plucky defence and Barnsley looked threatening every time they got the ball. The visitor’s Number 8 was particularly effective and exploited their scrum dominance with some powerful breaks and gritty support work. Credit must go to Ripon’s back row, who tackled effectively and competed at every breakdown to spoil Barnsley’s possession and create counter attacking options from turnovers.

Overall, discipline and determination were good and Ripon responded well to the encouragement of a sizeable home crowd. The team played with passion and commitment throughout and for the first time in a while, looked organised and in shape. Hopefully the corner has now been turned and Ripon can get used to winning and start clawing their way back up the league table.

Next week Ripon travel to Weetwood again to resume the abandoned game from November, which was cruelly cut short when the referee became injured. A definite must-win game against bottom of the Division – Leeds Medics and Dentists, who will be just as keen to fight for their survival. A 12.00pm meet for players and travelling supporters and again, all support for this vital game, will be very welcome