U14s - On Fire

It was like the kingdom of Arendelle at Harrogate this morning after Princess Elsa unleashed an eternal winter (Frozen).

The conditions however didn't prevent Ripon turning in one of the best team performances I've seen. They were truly on fire, which helped keep them warm in the icy wind and rain.

Every aspect of the game was good. Hardly a missed tackle in the game, a dominant scrum, excellent offloads in the tackle to keep the ball alive and some lovely running angles and passing.

It was hard to believe this was the first game in a number of weeks due to cancellations and Christmas, as there was no sign of rust or lack of fitness.

It was good to see Dylan Hudspeth back in action, returning from injury with some bulldozer runs.
Cameron Gilchrist had a great game with a number of pick and drives from the back of rucks and helped dominate the scrum.
Cole Potts tackled like a demon and distributed the ball well to an impressive back line.

At the home team's request, it was agreed to play three thirds instead of the usual two halves, to allow them to rotate their large squad in a more structured way.

The first third began with Ripon having the wind advantage.

Connor Stout opened the scoring after quick thinking by Hamish Mainey, who took a quick tap penalty on the Harrogate 22 and spun the ball wide for Connor to fly into the corner. (0-5)

Oliver Williams was next to score, finishing one of many good team efforts. Harry Fern and Evan Rees stayed strong in the tackle and kept the ball alive, getting it out to Oliver, who out paced the defence to score, then added the conversion. (0-12)

Connor Stout was back in action for try number three, following some nice handling in tricky conditions in the back line. (0-17)

The first third ended with some nice inter-play between Ted Wainwright and Oliver Rockey, Ted made a strong break and off-loaded to Oliver, who ran a great line to cut through the defence, then passed back to Ted, who ran in for the try. (0-22)

The second third was contested very evenly. Harrogate came painfully close to scoring when one of their players broke through and raced in from outside the 22, only to be denied by Evan Rees, who dislodged the ball in a tackle over the try line.
A period of pressure followed and some crunching try line defence by everyone kept Harrogate out. Ted Wainwright, Michael Sorby and Cole Potts all putting in try saving tackles and driving the attacker back. Eventually Ripon was awarded a penalty and relieved the pressure.

Some text book rucking provided Hamish Mainey with a great platform to deliver his laser guided passes and release the back line and apply the pressure back on Harrogate.
A Harrogate scrum 5 meters from their own line was won against the head and not many players would have been able to stop Ted Wainwright picking up from 8 and scoring from that position. (0-27)

Harrogate were eventually rewarded with a well deserved try of their own, to a huge cheer from the stands, leaving the score at the end of third number two 5-27.

The last period was more like the first. Evan Rees picked up from the back of a ruck and rounded the defence to score. (5-32)

Michael Sorby was next to score following a series of rucks, picking up from the back and using his strength to power over, quelling the disappointment of his last 'try' a few months ago being disallowed. (5-37)

Connor Stout made it a hat trick - testament to the distribution and handling in the back line, giving the speed merchant the opportunity. (5-42)

Not to be out done Ted Wainwright also secured a hat trick, running in from 90 meters further out than his previous try in a length of the field break. (5-47)

The final try of the game was quite popular as it was a fantastic team effort with every player involved, resulting in Ted Wainwright delivering the ball to George Spink to score his first try for the club. (5-52)

A great start to 2015 - Well done to the whole squad!

Tries:
Ted Wainwright (3)
Connor Stout (3)
Oliver Williams
Evan Rees
Michael Sorby

Conversions:
Oliver Williams