U15 Result - Malton 12 Ripon 31

Ripon U15s travelled to Malton this Sunday and enjoyed a good victory, winning 31-12.

The squad were without seven regular players for various reasons but were still able to turn out a full team with some subs, due, in no small part, to some recent arrivals.  Whilst this was encouraging it did mean that those playing had never played nor trained with some of their team mates. and we almost needed introductions.

The game began with Malton charging forward to the Ripon line and staying there by good organisation and continuously recycling the ball.  It seemed the tone of the game was being set.  Malton would score and get a great start, or Ripon would defend and gain confidence from knowing they could protect their line.  It was Ripon who broke out and took the game straight up to the Malton 22.  A poor clearance kick was gathered by J Thomson on the left wing and he ran through the Malton defence to score on the right wing.

Malton continued to be strong in the forwards and either move the ball onwards, or disrupt Ripon ball.  However Ripon continuously stifled their opposite numbers and, each time the ball was shipped to the Malton backs, their Ripon counterparts were waiting to stop them.  From Ripon posession Willis broke through the middle and beat two defenders and the full back to score for Ripon.

Ripon started to use their advantage in the backs and move the ball but an error led to a Malton score.  The team remained focused though and before half time, ball won at a line out was shipped along the backs to see J Thomson go in for his second.

Strong Ripon defence around the forwards and the centres continued in the second half.  Allinson was rewarded when his continual strong tackling turned defence into attack, and he drove through the Malton line to score.

 J Thomson put the finishing touches to a good team and excellent personal performance by getting his hat trick try, before Malton had the final score.

 A great day for the team, some personal performances to be proud of and a pleasure to see newer players doing their bit.  Most importantly the game was played in a good spirit and as always, Malton were great hosts.