Yorkshire RFU has published the Youth Structured Season document for 2008/09. This shows all the key dates for cup, league and representative fixtures for the season. The document (pdf) can be viewed/downloaded here.

Ripon’s first taste of the National Under 17 competition saw them earn a deserved 15-15 draw away at West Hartlepool; however they suffered heartbreak as they failed to progress to the Northern Divisional Plate semi-final on a count back of tries in the game.  Full report on brendan’s blog.

Congratulations to Alex Black who has been selected to represent Scotland Under 18’s in the  6 Nations tournament in Ireland next month.  Alex, a talented scrum-half, is part of Ripon’s development squad.

Yorkshire Under 17’s earned a well deserved victory over Lancashire at Driffield RUFC. The final score of 5-0 tells very little of the game, with Ripon players Stuart Cross and Sam Watkinson making telling contributions. Unfortunately prop Rob Wilson suffered a suspected torn back muscle during the warm up and was unable to take any part in the game. Full match report on brendan’s blog

Ripon Under 17’s successful league campaign has seen them rewarded with a place in the RFU National Under 17 competition. Ripon, currently 2nd in Yorkshire Division 2, have qualified as the 5th seeded Yorkshire side and been entered in the plate competition.

The 4 tiered competition (Cup, Plate, Shield, Bowl) pits the top 32 qualifiers from the North of England into a knockout competition, to determine who will go forward as Divisional champions to represent the North of England against Midlands in the semi-finals. The other semi-final will see divisional champions from the South-East and South-West battle it out.

Congratulations to the entire squad on achieving the honour of being the first side from Ripon to get into this competition. First game is next weekend with the draw being announced on Monday. Further details of who has qualified can be viewed here.

Ripon players Stuart Cross, Sam Watkinson and Rob Wilson have been named in the Yorkshire Under 17 squad for Sunday’s game against Lancashire. Lock Cross and fly-half Watkinson both make the starting XV while prop Wilson is on the replacement’s bench.  Lancashire skipper (and former Ripon player) Matt Spedding is ruled out due to a broken arm.

This morning’s Under 13’s (v Huddersfield) and Under 16’s (v Old Rishworthians) games are off due to frozen pitches.  The Under 17 game is still on for a 12.30 kick off and any Under 16’s who want a game are welcome to come along.

The senior squads selected for Saturday can be viewed here. The Under 17’s will play Old Rishworthians on Sunday at 12.30. Old Rishworthians are in Division 1 of the Yorkshire Under 17’s league and will pose a stern test for the Ripon lads at Mallorie Park.

Bobby Wilson made his first county start at tighthead prop as Yorkshire eased to a 34-15 win over Eastern Counties at Hull Ionians. Full report here.

Yorkshire got their season off to a great start with a 26-0 victory over North Wales Academy. Ripon RUFC was well represented on the playing and coaching front. Full details and report at Brendan’s Blog.