Ripon Girls RUFC v Selby Girls RUFC at home match report by Simon Lovel

Ripon U15 Girls played their first home match this season and welcomed Selby to Mallorie Park.

The Ripon girls were in full force fielding a squad of 16 players whilst Selby came with a reduced but experienced squad of 8. The game was 7 a side and was played on the first team pitch in front of a crowd of avid home supporters.

From the whistle both teams played at a fast pace and high intensity with committed running and strong tackling from all players however it was Ripon who took a strong lead with two converted tries in the first period. However Selby came back strongly contesting every ball at the breakdown and using the width of the pitch to score 3 tries and a conversion to bring the score to 14-17. Ripon responded however the try was disallowed and it was Selby who looked to be running away with the match at the close of the second period at 14-17.

Starting the third period Ripon needed to score twice to retake the lead and stem the domination of a highly skilled Selby squad which they did by strength of character, determination and as a team some thumping tackles 2 quick tries soon followed to regain the lead and despite some resolute defence of their line with rapid line speed practiced in training. Ripon played the majority of the closing period in the Selby half and with a larger squad made tactical use of fresh legs which resulted in a higher level of intensity to finish off the game with a further 3 tries. Selby never gave up and managed a late try at the end of the game to bring the final score to
RIPON 49 SELBY 22

Player of the match, chosen by Selby, was Olivia Ward who had an inspired game scoring 4 tries. Lauryn Corbett scored two and Maggie Tattersall score 1. Abi Lovel kicked all the conversions 7 from 7. Recognition should also be given to Jasmine Dixon who continued to give her all right to the end, making some amazing tackles and setting up other players never giving up, Lucy Verity and Molly Disbury for some consistent tackling and Alice Mann as captain showed maturity and commitment throughout the game.

Ripon U15 Girls continue to go from strength to strength and are now a force to be reckoned with. Well done every single player for what you have achieved as a united team and to Gary, Dean and Jay

Outstanding!