Ripon "Select" vs Pronto Rugby - Charity Match

With no league action this week and the 2nd XV Merit League match versus Leos called off by the opposition, this friendly fund raiser between an eclectic mix of Ripon’s playing finest, against a star-studded charity team, was a fitting alternative to the boring offer of televised Six Nations Rugby this weekend.

Pronto Rugby is a ‘Nomad’ national Rugby Team harnessing the power of Rugby to make a meaningful impact in society. By combining their passion for the sport with a commitment to social causes, they raise funds and awareness for Autism, Special Educational Needs & Disabilities and Mental Health Charities.

Through exhilarating rugby events like this match and engaging community initiatives, Pronto Rugby rallies support from players, fans, and sponsors alike. Their tireless efforts have resulted in much-needed funds being directed towards Autism East Midlands, supporting individuals and families affected by Autism, and the Lighthouse Club, offering crucial mental health resources to those in need. Through on pitch entertainment, after match hospitality and fund-raising activities such as raffles and auctions, plus creating a compelling desire for older and wiser ex-players to cast caution to the wind and put their boots on again “for a good cause,” This really was an inclusive and engaging event, as well as marvellous entertainment for the modest crowd drawn to the spectacle. The aim of supporting fund-raising for UK Blood & Transplant Service was achieved, as was the objective of all participants being able to walk the next day. To find out more about Pronto Rugby, click here:

Pronto Rugby – Raising Funds and Awareness for Autism and Mental Health

With the pitches just about passing fitness testing after more torrential rain and snow over the preceding days, the hallowed turf of Mallorie Park was a tad heavy in places but again great credit to the ground crew for their efforts in providing a playable surface. Not exactly the environment in which to foster festival Rugby but both sides aspired to be creative and enterprising in possession and entertain the intimate crowd on the touchline.

The Pronto squad contained a smattering of sporting superstars old and new, though when pressed to identify any but three of them, one struggled for the right names to faces. That said, the opposition acquitted themselves well for the duration of the game and produced some exciting, if not threatening passages of play and may have regretted their all-white kit at the end of the encounter. Notable for their presence and huge contributions to the Pronto efforts, was the Ripon contingent of the Drane family. As an ardent supporter of the cause, dad Owen, long standing Ripon club stalwart, player of significant note and emerging coach; provided the link at Scrum Half, a position he commanded with some vigour and impact. Elder Drane Jnr, Jacob made up one third of a back row that to be fair, spent more time tackling than anything else and younger brother Harry controlled the midfield at Number 10. Slightly further out than Harry was normally used to but he put in a solid effort in getting the backs moving and of course an integral part of the defence against the Ripon onslaught. The rest of the squad comprised an interesting mix of the great and good from near and far, with Santa Claus guesting at Hooker and Wanya Morris filling in at Number 8 as a warm up to his Super Bowl appearance. Also of note, were Dwayne Johnson’s dad Samuel at Tight Head and Lurch Addams bolstering the scrum but offering nothing in the line out at Second Row.

The Ripon team line up looked as if composed in accordance with traditional wedding values – something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. They all know into which category they fit, so without going into the gory details and in no particular order, here goes:

Director of Rugby Pete Fletcher spent what he described as the most exhilarating 20 minutes of his life, when taking to the field for the second quarter. Those 20 minutes must have brought back many happy memories of Fletch chasing his two sons Henry and Billy around the field, only on this occasion, keeping up was more of a challenge. A tower of strength in the set piece for at least three scrums, Fletch’s big comeback was cruelly cut short by an errant elbow to the cheek and leaving him to just dream about being on the end of a scoring pass from one of his offspring. Henners and Billy reigned supreme throughout the game and provided the initial input to so many of the scores. Mark Hooley, Nigel Brewster, Simon Rudsdale and Patrick Whitaker helped push up the average age too and made valuable contributions. Most notable being Whitaker with his unreadable dummy and omni-directional passing capacity.

New to the fray were aspiring senior players who have been in and around 1st XV selection recently, like Mountford, Smith and Burke, who whilst sounding like a firm of country solicitors, meted out rough justice with their maturity, slick handling, pace and ruthless defence.
The spectacle of the occasion was made more special with some South Sea Island flair, by the temporary engagement of some five of His Majesty’s finest members of the armed forces, introduced by Mack Koroiyadi. Tee, Rocho, Komi, Vere and Wes, all contributed fantastically to the event, with their free running, pin point handling and sheer brilliance in attack. More work needed off the pitch to get these players signed up for more consistent appearances.

Without naming everyone as there would be no time to talk about the game, hats off to the “True Blue” contingent, with the likes of Anderson, Bray and Cooper, all putting in a mighty shift to facilitate the hefty scoreline. A final special mention to Fin Middlemiss, who pretty much singled handedly controlled the line out on both put ins and provided Ripon with so much ball, even with eight Tries, they almost didn’t know what to do with it. The Ripon squad totalled 26 players in all and largely looked like they played and trained regularly together. Games like this create a huge opportunity for the players to bond and play to their strengths away from the constraints of league Rugby.

There was a game, played in great spirit and expertly refereed by Dave Ellis. The outcome of the first half was three Tries by Oscar Burke, Harry Veitch and Tee, all Converted by James Cooper to gain a creditable lead of 21 – 0.

The second half saw The Blues fair slightly better, with five more Tries from Komi, Will Mountford, Scott Quinn, Sam Smith and Wes, Cooper Converting three, all kicks ably assisted by “Tee Boy” and kicking coach Mikey Bray. The final score of 52 – 0 was a sad ending for the Pronto team, who never gave up and remained competitive to the end. The outcome for Ripon was a fine testament to the club training and coaching quality, as well as the resilience of players old and new, to pull on the blue jersey and step up for their club.

Ripon are next in league action at home to Baildon on Saturday 17th February and looking to complete five out of five home wins on the trot. Kick-off is at 2.15 and all supporters welcome to spur The Blues on to further success.