U14′S Ripon v Guisborough

Last Sunday, Ripon U14’s in their third week under a new coaching regime played hosts to Guisborough with a new look and experimental side. Ripon took a few minutes to get going but in the 6th minute centre Jack Stiddard broke through the Guisborough line and ran half the pitch to score under the posts.

It was not long until Ripon scored again after some well-worked, tight forward play. At half-time Ripon led 21-0 after Alex Gath-Walker (Gathy) scored following an aggressive break and run.

Second half and Guisborough came back strongly, mounting pressure on Ripon, until eventually they scored under the posts. This gave Ripon the jolt they needed and it was not long until Gathy scored again from an out-standing bit of individual play. Gathy missed his chance to get his hat-trick minutes later via an unlucky knock on.

With Ripon cruising to victory there was still time for one more try and Jack Stiddard again assisted using his pace to get past the defensive line. The score finished 35-7 to Ripon with prop Angus Shaw kicking all his goals.

Jonny Farrell and Miles Woolfenden the Ripon wingers must be mentioned for their superb tackling and great support play and scrum half Jo Hirst for linking so well with the backs. Matthew Ingram played a solid game and his consistent good form continued. Owen Silver after taking a big knock 15 minutes in, played extremely well at hooker. Gathy was later named as man of the match for the fantastic determination and individual flair he showed throughout the entire match.

This result was a great “TEAM” effort brought about by a dedicated number of die-hard players who despite losing in the past, have never given up, their hard work at training finally paying off. Thanks to the coaching team and helpers on the day.