This Friday, 16^th May, at 7.00 pm is the juniors ( under 13’s up to development squad) presentation evening. The intention is to have the presentations at 7.30 followed by some supper. Could each age group please provide the items listed below;- 

Under 13’s                              Savory’s i.e. Sausage Rolls, pizza etc

Under 14’s                              Sandwiches

Under 15’s                              Crisps, Pringles etc

Under 16’s                              Soft Drinks, lemonade Coke etc

Development                           Puddings 

Thank you all in advance.

Tag rugby will officially start on Tuesday 20th of May at 7.00pm. The bar will be open afterwards so let’s get everyone done for some fun rugby, followed by a beer!

Tag rugby is open to anyone over 14 and we will do our best to cater for all abilities!

The end of season finale for the under 11’s saw them travel to Darlington for their festival of junior rugby. Following the superb showing by the squad two weeks earlier when reaching the finals of the Tynedale 7’s and Driffield festival, on the same day, it was looking good for another strong performance. On arrival and looking at the other teams present it soon became apparent that it was not going to be an easy day. Reports below… Read the rest of this entry »

Report from Under 13 Head Coach, Graham Christy:

The final weekend of the season saw Ripon U-13’s travel to Darlington for a festival. After beating Wharfedale (with a last second penalty by Guy Watkinson), Acklam & Hartlepool Rovers in the group stages they faced an equally strong Percy Park side in the final. In one of the most keenly fought and competitive games of rugby this season, Percy Park beat ripon 5 - 0. The game was won by the percy Park fullback who pulled of a try saving tackling on Glenn May in the last two minutes of the game as he was heading towards the posts.

Ripon were also awarded the fair play award by Darlington Festival organisers for the behaviour of players on the pitch and the spectators.

In a season that has seen the team lose only 3 games and score over 800 points, it is a testament to the squad ability, commitment and pure stubbornness that they can now compete with teams of the standard of Percy Park. Well done to one & all.

Going anywhere interesting over the summer? If so, then we want your photos! Take Ripon Rugby Club on tour by getting a photograph of yourself in some exotic locations wearing your club badge or colours. Then send the pictures to info@riponrugby.co.uk with some background information.

We’re looking for pictures we can publish featuring recognisable landmarks, exotic locations, rugby grounds etc. from all over the world (inc. UK) - the more unusual the better. We’d also love to hear from “Ripon Exiles” who may be reading. So whether senior or junior player, retired or still too young to play, get your kit on and your cameras out!

Struggling to find ways to pass your time next Monday? Missing your team-mates? Want to be able to have a few pints whilst pretending to spend time with t’missus and t’kids? Then get yourselves down to the Cathedral grounds! Should be a good laugh and chance to have (another) post/pre-season bevvy together.
Dave’s got an early evening do at the Matrix which follows on from the festival (the band playing at the festival are playing in the Matrix with another couple of cracking artists later on). Have a look at his website www.dmblivemusic.co.uk if you fancy coming along - should be a good day all round! (Although it says £11 on the door you can get them off Dave or me for £10). Pass the word on to those who don’t visit the blog. Hopefully see you there!

The IRB is currently trialling a number of Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) in the Super 14 competition. The key law changes being trialled include: most offences being downgraded to to free-kick; allowing the maul to be collapsed; a introduction of a 5 metre offside law at scrum.

The RFU is concerned about the potential imapct on grassroots rugby should the law changes become permanent. Therefore they are asking for views on the changes and their potential impact. You can view the ELV’s and have your say at rfusurvey.co.uk. It takes about 10 minutes to complete online.

Ripon Over 21’s won the club challenge match in an exciting 10’s game today. The youngsters were unable to match the physicality and guile of the more senior side which counted eight first team players in it’s squad. In contrast the Under 21 squad featured eighteen players who are 18 or younger.

The senior side earned it’s victory through some excellent play from the club’s two top try scorers this season - Rob Harrison and Gaz Matthews. However it was the return of Steve Moss-Blundell that really caught the eye. Despite going down with an injury (again) he was still the “old boys” top try scorer today. They benefitted from the “stick it up your jumper” ploys suited to the wet conditions - Al “Nozzer” Norrie scored (enough said!!!).

In contrast the Under 21’s entertained the crowd with some free-flowing rugby. There is no doubt that a game played on a drier, firmer surface would have seen a different result. However the senior boys were not be to outdone. Congratulations to new arrival Hayden “Chewie” Stratford on his first try in a Ripon jersey.

Well done everyone - you contributed to a fine spectacle of rugby - let’s make this a new fixture in our calendar.

Click on the picture above to see more photos from the game.

Last night’s players’ dinner saw the presentation of awards to the following:

1st XV Most Valuable Player: Craig Wolloms
1st XV Most Improved Player:Gareth “Gaz” Matthews

2nd XV Most Valuable Player: Patrick “Bob” Whittaker
1st XV Most Improved Player: Ben Hawkins

3rd XV Most Valuable Player: Simon Williamson
3rd XV Most Improved Player: Aaron “H” Horseman

Coaches’ Award, recognising outstanding effort: Mike Buttrell