2nd XV Match Report Saturday 19th March 2016

This week Ripon played league leaders Wharfedale 3s in another rearranged merit league fixture. With 7 regular players missing this week due to Yorkshire Cup Schools Finals this could of been a bit of a mauling for the home side. Luckily some players that have been missing for the last few games returned, as well as the addition of a few 3xv players. Also making an appearance was former Ripon player Ashley Rio.

Wharfedale kicked off and immediately Ripon worked their way up the field. After a few minutes of dominating play, 'Spider Legs' Joe Duffield scored a try near the posts. This was converted by Patrick Whitaker. 7-0.

Then disaster struck! Patrick Whitaker lost his sole! (from his boot). After a quick change with manager of the day Andrew Williamson, he quickly got back to his game (although complained that the boots were to heavy for his little legs) and moved Ripon once again into the opposition half. From 15m out quick ball was shovelled to David Ellis who after ignoring a 3 man overlap scored the try. This was the last we would see of Dave as he then said that he had heard his hamstring tear in the act of scoring! 12-0.

Wharfedale then came back at Ripon and scored 2 converted tries in quick succession. Both were converted. 12-14. Billy Burgin then cried in pain when a stray piece of grass took him out. George Toplis replaced the injured player and produced an excellent tackling display.

With neither side making any ground for the rest of the half the referee blew his whistle for half time.

HT 12-14

Ripon then changed things round, with Ashley Rio coming on at fullback. Wharfedale were now in the ascendency in the scrums, although Ripon were having the better of the line outs. Unluckily for Wharfedale, William Champion hurt his shoulder and could no longer continue. Uncontested scrums were now the only option as Justin Kirby had to go into the front row. Undeterred by this, the away side picked the ball up from the base of a 5m scrum and scored a try. 12-19.

Ripon now picked up the pace, and Ashley Rio scored 2 excellent tries to make the score 22-19 with 10 minutes to go.

The home side now used all their remaining subs with Michael Sheperd & Matthew Binks coming on. With more energy in the side, Ripon played out the remaining 10 minutes. Wharfedale were unlucky not to score with the last play of the game as a knock on was spotted by the referee who ended the game.

FT 22-19

Another impressive display by the 2xv, with players standing up and playing with their hearts and heads. This just shows were we are now as a club as we are showing how strong a 2xv we have in this league.

Our next game is away at Selby 2xv where hopefully we will again have a strong team.

MOM - Simon Williamson & Mark Greenwood

DOD - Patrick Whitaker (For losing his sole!)