Ripon came out on top in a close game with local rivals Thirsk. Ripon set off well forcing Thirsk back and were unlucky to be denied an early try when Adam Western went over but the try was disallowed. Undeterred Ripon kept pressing and got their first try after a good kick chase from Ben Borchard, who gathered the ball and got it to Jake Robinson who touched down to give Ripon a 5 point lead.
Thirsk had a try ruled out for a knock-on, however Ripon had the upper hand and continued to put balls over for the backs to run onto. Ripon’s second came exactly as the first, Ben running the ball down and Jake supporting and going over in the corner. Both teams had chances but Ripon remained on top with good runs from Owain Giffen, Olly Bowett and Rob Heaton. Charlie Hynes came closest however but could not keep hold of the ball with only the line to cross.
Ripon’s third came on the stroke of half-time, good work from the forwards took the ball to the try line where Jack Baldwin took the ball over from the back of a ruck. Man of the Match Adam Western had to go off after picking up a knock as Jack went over.
Thirsk hit back in the second half scoring two tries with Ripon guilty of some poor tackling, They would have had a third but for a try saving trip tackle from Miles Naylor. The Man of Steel award was given to James Willis for his high workrate and good all round game. Both sides had late chances but
the defences held out for the game to end 15-10 to Ripon.