This week we welcome Leodiensian RUFC to Mallorie Park and with both clubs involved in their own battles, albeit at different ends of the table, this game looks to be a potential cracker!

What a difference a fortnight makes…as high flying England crash down to earth in the cauldron of hate, Ripon return to winning ways to restore our spirits with two good and timely results. Last time out the 29 – 15 result at Roundhegians was an excellent win against a side mounting a serious fight against relegation and in the danger zone themselves. A victory that was sweetened by five lads aged 18 or under playing and three of them scoring tries. Our congratulations go out to all the lads who have battled back from some disappointing results and showed the kind of fighting spirit that makes us proud!

Talking of pride, many congratulations go to Will Smith for being selected for England Counties U18s. This is truly an amazing achievement for this young man who enters the Hall of Fame at such a tender age. His clubmate and Northern Counties representative, Ollie Williams apparently just missed the cut but this takes nothing away from his great personal achievement. Well done to both lads!

With the Six Nations ripped wide open by the events in Wales, literally anything could happen. Let’s hope our ‘Aussie Bulldog,’ can get the boys back to the exceptional form they showed against Ireland and France. As I watched the second half unfold, I had an that uneasy feeling that England fans have unfortunately endured on many occasions. I could not help remember the words frequently uttered by Ian Hassall as our age grade lads were developing: “Play what’s in front of you and if the plan isn’t working change it!”

I would like to thank today’s sponsor Martin Sterne, your support is appreciated by us. Please put the Club Beer Festival on 22nd June 2019 in your diary. It was a fantastic event last year with 900 people attending one of the best parties we have ever had. Please sponsor if you can and contact me to let you know about the packages that are available. You can sponsor a barrel of beer for just £120! Get your tickets early and let’s make this even bigger! Enjoy today’s games.