2nd XV Match Report Saturday 7 November 2015

This week Ripon travelled away (again!) to Leodensian to play a friendly. On Friday night the side had a full complement of 18 player. However by Saturday morning the team had lost Tom Newby to the 1xv and Isaac Arnold who woke up at 1200 in a random place. Debuts were handed to newcomer Nick Stringer and the returning Ashley Plant. Ben Gemmell and Tom Baldwin had to play out of position at centre and wing respectively (usually backrow players).

The game was started by Ripon who immediately reclaimed the ball which led to the away side immediately attacking the Leos line. On 3 mins a penalty was awarded in front of the posts which allowed Patrick Whitaker to get the 1st points of the game. 3-0

Ripon were again dominant in the scrum pushing the Leos pack off their own ball as well as gaining at least 10m. The lineout was exceptional which allowed the side to continually attack. However after 20 minutes the away side gave away a string of penalties which allowed Leos to work their way down the pitch. From a 5m lineout Leos mauled the ball over the line and scored their only try of the game. This was converted from the touchline. 3-7

Andrew Williamson then gave his team a bit of a rollicking for giving cheap penalties away and that they were now to start playing simple rugby. The message seemed to sink in as Ripon scored their 1st try almost immediately. A nice move by the backs, allowed Matthew Binks to make good ground. He was tackled short of the line, but was aware enough to pop the ball to Ben Pilling to score in the corner. Patrick Whitaker continued his excellent kicking display to make it 10 - 7. Then on the stroke of half time a maul was set up 15m from the line. From the maul Ripons pack then pushed their way all the way to the line, allowing Craig Wolloms to score the try. Coverted again.

Half time 17-7

Paul Blood then gave his half time talk, which got the message across to play in the opposition half and also start playing intelligent rugby in the wet conditions. Ripon didnt disappoint and started to play the game that the coach wanted. Excellent runs by Nick Stringer and Ashley Plant sucked in the home sides defence, which then allowed Ripons backs to have space to run into. Further trys were scored by Elliot Fearn, Ben Gemmell, Jack Stiddard (hope I got the name right!) and Jack Baker on the stroke of fulltime. 3 of them converted.

Fulltime 43-7

This performance showed that Ripon 2xv are now gaining in confidence and are starting to use the same structure as the 1xv. Line outs were again impressive, with WIll Connor and Craig Wolloms ensuring that the Leos pack never had a chance. Scrums were again dominant and at one stage gained Ripon 20m. Special mention must go to Ben Gemmell who is now off to see some penguins and wont be back till April. Man of the Match was Ashley Plant for leading from the front and giving the young players a focal point to follow.

Next week is a League game against Old Rishworthians 2s. With players due back this week selection is going to be very interesting!