Ropey start for U14s

With only one game under their belt since 7th December and cancelled training sessions due to weather, the depleted Ripon squad of 17 were definitely not firing on all cylinders for the first half of todays match.
A poor preparation for one of our toughest games.

York came out strong and kept Ripon in their own 22 for most of the first half. The York back line was up fast in defence and the forwards were quick to pounce on Ripon errors, of which there were too many in the early exchanges.
The visitors turned pressure into points and notched up a number of tries to end the half with a sizeable advantage of 27 points to 0.

Great team spirit from the Ripon lads in the second half saw a resurgence and the flood gates were shut.
Some good handling to the keep the ball alive ended up in the hands of Evan Rees 10 meters out. A side step or 3 saw him dance over to score under the posts. Oliver Williams added the conversion (7-27).

Some clever tactical kicking put York back in Ripon's 22 and a penalty was awarded to the visitors 5 meters out, which they converted into 5 points with a set move. (7-32)

Evan Rees responded with another try for the home team , showing a clean pair of heels to out pace the York backs from 40 meters out. Oliver Williams added the conversion again. (14-32)

With the ball landing in the allotments, Mike Spink kicked a spare ball onto the field with pin point accuracy, putting himself in contention for senior selection next week.

Despite the efforts of work horses like Ted Wainwright and George Spink in the forwards and Harry Fern and Oliver Williams in the backs, Ripon were unable to break through the strong York defence and in the last minute let York in at the corner (14-37).

With the second half won 14-10, it was an excellent response to a 27 point deficit at the turn around.

Titus Baker and Oliver Rockey made some good tackles. Hamish Mainey delivered the ball well as always and Cole Potts did well under pressure.

Tries:
Evan Rees (2)

Conversions:
Oliver Williams (2)