Under 11’s Go Out In Style

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…Ripon were drawn into a strong group with Ponteland, Wharfedale and Pocklington.

The first game saw us take on Ponteland (a much bigger team who had pipped us in the final of the Tynedale 7’s) Not to be outdone this time the team took to the pitch after a rousing team talk from the coaching staff and set about taking the game to the opposition from the start. Not allowing Ponteland any space or time on the ball Ripon dominated the match running in two unanswered tries, one in the first half from Tom Newby and one in the second from George Foster. With Finn Hassall adding both conversions it was the perfect start.

The second game against Wharfedale was another close match with just the one score proving vital. Again superb defence from Ripon prevented Wharfedale from getting into their game and mid way through the second half Tom Newby crossed the line for the decisive try. Finn Hassall again adding the conversion.

Due to other results Ripon were already guaranteed a place in the final before their last game v Pocklington. Having saved their best until last Pocklington held Ripon to a 0-0 draw with again sound defensive displays from both teams.

With a place in the final secured it was just a matter of waiting to see who the opposition were. It didn’t take too long to find out it was local rivals Harrogate. Having suffered our worst defeat of the season to Harrogate in the Yorkshire Cup semi final the squad didn’t need telling that this was not going to be an easy game, but again they ran onto the pitch ready to go following another rousing team talk from the coaches. As in all previous meetings between these two teams it was a close fought battle before Ripon took the early initiative when Euan Findlay crossed the Harrogate line to open the scoring. Finn Hassall added the conversion to take Ripon into a 7-0 lead going into the interval.

The second half carried on in the same vein with any offensive play from Harrogate being met with superb defence from the Ripon team. The decisive moment came when Euan Findlay again crossed the line for his and Ripon’s second try (remember Euan your Dad said he would pay you £10 for that one…sorry George!!) Finn Hassall completed a 100% day with the boot by adding the conversion. Harrogate then tried desperately to break the Ripon defensive line but to no avail with superb tackling from all of the Ripon team led by the smallest member of the squad George Foster who was tackling way above his weight limit. This lead to his early departure from the game when following a particularly crunching tackle on the Harrogate winger he injured his shoulder and had to leave the field. To show the spirit in this team the cry of “win this for George” went up as the sub ran on. Not willing to let this slip Ripon held on to the final whistle for probably one of the best and most satisfying victories of the season (or at least it felt that way to the crowd on the touchline!!) The whole squad then celebrated by sliding into the deepest, muddiest puddle on the Darlington ground!!

Team captain for the day George Foster collected the trophy from the Chairman of Darlington RUFC , with his one good arm, George that is not the Chairman, in what was the perfect finish to a great season.

Next week the squad are travelling to Leeds for a training session then watching the Carnegie v Wasps game so it’s 09:30 at the club to catch the bus..see you all there.