Ripon go close

Moortown 3s v Ripon 3s

With only 2 games being played by the club this week, you would assume that there would be a plethora of players available. This week however only 34 players were.

So on a nice sunny day Ripon 3s made the journey to Moortown with 19 players. Made up of 3 players from the 2s and 16 regular 3rd team players. On commencement of the warmup it was noticed that the home side looked rather useful. With them also only having 2 games it looked suspiciously like a team full of 2nd team players. However this can not be proven!

To the game, and Ripon started off strongly. Keeping the home side pinned in their half for a sustained period of time. Ripon were solid enough in the scums and had a firing lineout. Tom Lister and Tom Nicholson were providing surging runs as well as stealing a number of home line outs.

Moortown however, looked and showed that they were a strong side. Their useful backs making incisive runs. On two occasions they managed to get the ball wide and score 2 try's. Both conversion were missed.

Ripon pack proved to be a nuisance in the ruck area as they counter rucked everything. Causing a number of turnovers!

The halftime came to a close at 10-0 to Moortown.

At halftime a number of changes had to be made due to injuries. On came Tom Stores, Tom Champion and Tom Humphries. Lost to injury was the Tom twins and Tom Burton.

Moortown started where they finished the half, by using their backs to get round the Ripon wings. They were still however struggling at the ruck area.

2 more try's were scored by the home side with 1 being converted. The score was now 22-0 with 30 mins left to play. This looked like it was going to be a big score against the away side.

However, just like the England v Wales game the away side started to get back into the game. Ripon 1st try came from a nice run by Tom Pilling who scored near the posts. This was converted by Tom Whittaker. 22-7.

The scoreboard got stuck on this score!

Next came the try of the match. From near Moortowns 22, Tom Whittaker put captain Tom Williamson through a gap in the defence. Williamson managed to handoff 1 would be tackler and then put on the after burners. Across came the fullback at full tilt to try and stop him. With a firm handoff he was face planted to the floor and Tom went onto score under the posts. Converted again by Whittaker. 22-14.

Ripon next try came from their forwards, who were now causing the home side to panic. After a couple of pick and drives, Tom Champion managed to bulldoze over the line. The conversion was missed. 22-19.

With 5 mins to go, Moortown then pulled themselves together and scored a try out wide. The home support went wild as they now thought they were clear. Conversion was successful. 29-19.

Ripon had other thoughts. They again pounded away at the home side. Counter rucking and turning over ball at will, the away side scored in the corner with Tom Nicholson scoring the try. Conversion successful. 29-26.

With 1 minute left, Ripon took the restart and made their way up the pitch once again. Moortown then gave away a penalty just in their half. With no time for a lineout, Tom Whittaker turned to his captain and said "I can get this". A draw would give Ripon 3 points to go home with.

Although the kick was accurate the distance was not, falling just short of the posts. Moortown kicked the ball off the pitch and the final whistle went.

This was a hugely enjoyable game to be involved in. Credit to all the players, Tom especially!

Final score Moortown 29 v Ripon 26

Mom - Tom Whittaker

Dod - Tom Stores (for not wearing a shirt or tie)