Heroic performance from U14s

With the half term curse restricting Ripon U14s availability to a bare 15, a number of players really had to step up today and that's exactly what they did.
Cole Potts moving down a shirt number to cover at scrum half proved the strength in depth we have as he had an outstanding attacking and defensive game, working well with Ben Rutter an untried half back partnership that kept the backs moving.

Evan Rees opened the scoring early on, rounding the outside centre and beating the winger for pace for a 50 meter run in. Oliver Williams added the conversion. (7-0)

Middlesbrough hit back and scored a good try of their own (7-5).

With the momentum in their favour the visitors turned the pressure on and were pressing hard inside the Ripon 22. Oliver Rockey had gone down injured and it was looking like Middlesbrough were going to score. Ted Wainwright had other ideas though and from a Ripon turnover ten meters from his own line, Ted went on a powerful run before releasing lightening fast Connor Stout who was lucky not to get a speeding ticket, covering eighty meters untouched. Kicking machine Oliver Williams slotted the extra points (14-5)

Oliver Rockey unfortunately had to leave the fray and with no subs Ripon were down to 14 for the remainder of the match with just ten minutes played.

With a player down, the gaps started to appear and Middlesbrough took advantage, bringing the half time score to 14-12.

The second half saw an early dominance from Ripon and a ruck 5 meters from the 'Borough line was close enough for Cole Potts to sneak his way through the defence. (19-12)

Loose ball in the Ripon half was fly hacked on by Evan Rees who won the foot race to the ball (I understand his father used to be quick too). He gathered the ball and raced in from the visitors 10 meter line. Oliver Williams added the conversion. (26-12)

Titus Baker had a great run, picking up from the base of a ruck and rounding the defence to speed down the wing - excellent tackling denying him just short of the line (If only he hadn't been unwell).

Good distribution from Cole Potts and Ben Rutter, followed by a devastating run from Ted Wainwright allowed Evan Rees to secure his hat trick powering through three defenders. Another Oliver Williams conversion was added and the scoreline was looking comfortable. (33-12)

Middlesbrough dug deep and showed excellent spirit though to fight back with three unanswered tries at the end. (33-27)

Oliver Williams' tactical kicking was excellent. Ben Rutter impressed at 10. Michael Sorby showed great power with a few steals and taking the ball forward. Dylan Hudspeth's defence was great as always. Max Fenton and George Spink worked hard in the loose.

An entertaining game to watch. Nice to see some of the lads (Bertie, Bob and Luca) that haven't been available for a while, getting out there.

Tries:
Evan Rees (3)
Connor Stout
Cole Potts

Conversions:
Oliver Williams (4)