This week Ripon 3xv travelled to Wharfedale to play a Cup Quater Final against Wharfedale 4xv. With over 30 players unavailable throughout the club, it was testament to the 3xv that they could get 20 players for this game.

On a surprisingly good pitch, Ripon were equal to their opponents in most departments. The 1st half was pretty even, although some weak tackling allowed the home side to score 3 tries. Wharfedale 4xv were playing like a team that should be in a higher league than they are. They continually punished Ripon at the ruck (sometimes illegally) and more often than not in open play. Halftime score was 19 -0.

The second half didn't get much better with Wharfedale putting on some surprising good replacements which only added to the pressure that Ripon were feeling. The away side were also on the wrong end of a huge penalty account (20 to 3 in Wharfedale's favour) with most decisions being made from over 10m away from the ruck area! The last 10 minutes did produce a bit of encouragement with Craig Sykes scoring 2 well worked tries. FT 55-10

Ripon were totally outplayed by a VERY strong Wharfedale side and must now concentrate on the rest of the season.

MOM - Paul Bake for his 10 minutes (ahem more like 80!)

DOD - Is ME! For not counting correctly and making Ripon play with 14 for 10 minutes.
(Well I thought they should get a taste of what the 2xv had last week!)

UPDATE ON STAR PLAYER CLEGGY after knee Operation on Friday

(Text from the great man himself)

Good luck with the game today, thoughts will be with you guys. Op went really well so discharged myself, you should of seen their faces. They wanted me on total rest this weekend and light duties for 3 weeks & no running or rugby for 6 weeks. BOLLOCKS to that! As I walked away from the Duchy Hospital (Harrogate) the peg was feeling damn fine so I thought that I'd give it a proof text and made it so the Swan at a light jog. I just need to wait for the entry wounds to close up and then I'll be back. Hopefully next week but if not, definitely the week after! All the best - give them hell

Regards

Chris