U14s Cup Curse

The cup curse for this age group strikes again.

Over the years this team has struggled with cup competitions with the exception of the good run last year, where they fell at the last hurdle.
This year they didn't make it to the first hurdle, they tripped over the starting blocks.

A damp, mist covered pitch at Wharfedale contributed to a number of handling errors on both sides.
The home team came out strong and good defence by Ripon kept them out, holding the ball up over the line a number of times.

Ripon turned the ball over on their own line and broke out of defence with speed, Connor Stout making it past the halfway line before being stopped.
Hamish Mainey and Cole Potts kept the back line moving and Ripon looked good going forward and keeping the ball alive.
Good tackling from George Spink, Oliver Rockey and Oliver Williams in the midfield.
Harvey Toomes, who had made a great effort to play, (leaving at 5am) was powerful in attack and defence.

However, a dropped pass by Ripon in their own 22 was hacked on by Wharfedale and the deadlock was broken with a try to the home team.
A strong kick return from the big Wharfedale pack put them back into Ripon's danger area and a period of pressure resulted in a few penalties 5 meters from the Ripon line. After a couple of attacks thwarted by Ripon, Wharfedale crossed again (14-0).

Ripon were playing some nice rugby and hit straight back with an excellent try from Evan Rees from inside his own half, beating a number of defenders to go under the posts. Converted by Hamish Mainey (14-7) half time.

With the momentum in their favour and now playing with the slight slope advantage Ripon came agonisingly close to tying the game up early in the second half but it was not to be.

With time running out Wharfedale put the game to bed with a final try - final score 19-7

A very close game of rugby, played in great spirit. Well done to Wharfedale and we wish them the very best of luck for future rounds of the cup.

Tries:
Evan Rees

Conversions:
Hamish Mainey