U14s - Boot on other foot vs Sandal

Last season ended with a very tight game against Sandal, Ripon edging it in the end 36-33.

The boot was on the other foot today though with Ripon's cup curse continuing.

With a number of influential players unavailable, the squad was quite depleted - This was not helped by our one tackle machine Dylan Hudspeth sustaining an injury in the pre match warm up, requiring stitches to his knee (Best wishes Dylan - hoping for a speedy recovery)!

With the visitors unable to field a front row, the game was played with unopposed scrums.
A promising start from Ripon saw the forwards clearing out the ruck well and the ball being moved nicely through the back line. Connor Stout was denied an early try by a last ditch tackle taking him and the corner flag out.
Shortly after though he was rewarded with the first try of the game, beating the defence for pace. (5-0)

Sandal hit back and scored a converted try. (5-7)

Just before half time Ted Wainwright handed off a number of defenders and blasted his way to the line. (10-7)

A good start to the second half put pressure on the visitors and Titus Baker found himself with a bit of space, which he converted into points with a try in the left corner. Oliver Williams took a break from all the tackling he'd been doing to knock over a conversion, many premiership players would be proud of. (17-7)

Sandal responded yet again with a converted try of their own. (17-14)

An impressive break from Cole Potts put Ripon in the Sandal half, taken on by Ted Wainwright, who off loaded to Evan Rees, who raced in for Ripon's 4th try and with 10 minutes to play it was looking promising. (22-14)

Sandal had different ideas however and some tactical mistakes by Ripon allowed Sandal back into the game with a try for the visitors. (22-19)

With the clock running down to the last minute, Sandal broke through to pinch the game in a nail biting thriller. (22-24)

A very entertaining game by two very evenly matched sides, both playing nice rugby. Best of luck to Sandal in the rest of the competition.

A shout out to George Spink who yet again worked hard doing the graft to win the ball. Harry Fern continues to impress with his powerful line breaks and tackling and welcome to debutant Dipraj Jimee (Dippy), who looks to be a useful addition to the squad.

Tries:
Connor Stout
Ted Wainwright
Titus Baker
Evan Rees

Conversions:
Oliver Williams