U16's Match Report vs Middlesbrough

A fourth game away on the trot, and they don’t get any nearer home, at least we will not be going up north when the weather turns. Middlesbrough this week and a chance to see how we are progressing against a team we have struggled against in the past.

A lively start by Ripon saw them into the opposition twenty two twice only to be held up and unable to score points. Things swung hugely in Boro’s favour when after clearing their lines with a great kick into the opposition corner while playing under advantage, the Ref brought the play back for a scrum which Boro’s heavy-weight pack turned over to set up a try. Ripon suddenly were playing on the back foot and by half-time found themselves 26-0 down.

With the restart Ripon responded and got points on the board with a storming run from Charlie Britton running a great line from thirty yards out, Hynsy slotted over a difficult conversion and the confidence
started to grow. Joe Mid and James Gatford both came close, again down to strong direct running.

As Boro’s pack started to tire Ripon gave away another try, after a good clearing kick out of their own twenty-two into the opposition red zone, Ripon were caught offside, from the resulting penalty Boro shoved the ball over. Ripon kicked on again Sam Sweet scoring a rare try, to be followed by Luke Ratcliff under the posts after a breakaway by fullback Miles Naylor down the wing. Hynes got the extra three to make it 33-19. Ripon almost had another at the end, James Willis picking up ten yards out stepped a first tackle before being pulled down only feet from the line.

A game that showed we are moving in the right direction, a bit more game management, a quicker start and a greater belief in our own ability, plenty to work on in training.