Knottingley 22 Ripon 5

Ripon’s quest for safety in Yorkshire 2 suffered a setback as the 1st XV fell to a 22-5 loss at Knottingley. Ripon’s poor form had been lifted by two consecutive wins a home but they were found wanting on their travels again.

The early part of the game found the sides locked in stalemate with either unable to find the breakthrough and the action punctuated by several “dust ups”. The first clear scoring chance came in the 21st minute when the home side were awarded a kickable penalty which they failed to convert.

The deadlock was finally broken after 34 minutes when centre Rob Harrison burst into the Knottingley 22; the defence held strong and the turnover ball was shipped quickly. Jason Bell and Gareth Matthews raced back to stifle the attack but a clearance kick stayed in field and Knottingley pounced to score. The conversion was added for a 7-0 lead.

Ripon now needed to play tightly to see the half out but were undone in the 41st minute as a Knottingley lineout was driven into the right hand corner to extend the lead to 12-0 at the break.

Ripon turned around with the strong wind now at their backs and optimism that an early score would see us back in the game. However Knottingley were not finished and they pressed repeatedly into the visitors half aided by some poor ball retention by Ripon. The pressure showed as Ripon lacked fluency across the backline and looked hurried in possession. This lead to a Knottingley interception which looked certain for a try until skipper Richard Hooks made a vital cover tackle.

Just over 10 minutes into the half Knottingley extended their lead through a series of drives close to the Ripon line. Scrum Half Scott McAra wrapped up the ball carrier to prevent the score initially. However Knottingley reapplied the noose off the ensuing scrum and eventually battered over the line. The referee awarded the try despite Gary Denver appearing to have got his arm under the ball.

Ripon’s hopes of a revival were given a boost when the Knottingley N0.4 was sin binned for a dangerously high tackle in the 23rd minute. In truth the referee had shown great patience up to that point, having issued several warnings to the same player for his various off the ball indiscretions. Indeed firmer refereeing might have meant the player was seeing a second yellow at that stage!

Ripon pounced on the advantage and within two minutes had laid siege to the home line, with the ball eventually being grounded over the line after a series of damaging drives. Hooks was unable to land the difficult conversion.

Ripon were unable to make the advantage count further and by the time the sin bin was over Ripon were reduced to 14 as No.8 Dave Ellis was unable continue due to injury. Ripon’s bench had already been utilised so the side had to battle on. The forwards strained every fibre to stay in the game but Knottingley had the final say as forward power led to a closingl try to leave it 22-5 at the end.

This was a disappointing day as Ripon were undone through some poor ball retention which lead to turnovers in key areas. We also failed to use the elements in our favour in the second half. The forwards battled manfully throughout and 2nd XV captain Dan Watson made a big impact from the bench. Simon Whiter and Gary Denver were also always prominent at the breakdown; Al Ross’s dentist will also be busy after his battle up front.

The battle continues next week with Leo’s at home. They went down to Old Brod’s today, but wins for Goole and Dinnington mean there is no room for complacency.

The updated Yorkshire 2 table can be viewed here.