A bright but cold Sunday morning saw Ripon U12s at Thirsk for games against Thirsk and Wensleydale. Due to depleted numbers Thirsk and Wensleydale fielded a combined team against Ripon for what proved to be some good rugby by both teams.

Ripon dominated the first half with some good combined backs and forwards play resulting in 5 tries and 4 conversions. Tries scored by Scott Ogilvie and converted by Gavin Nicholson.

The second half was a more even affair with the game dominated by a predominately Wensleydale forwards pack. (more…)

On what was probably the wettest and coldest match day this season, Ripon were at Wetherby for a friendly combined training and match session.

The foul weather saw plenty of volunteers for substitution (a novel experience!), in what proved to be a good and evenly balanced match from the two teams. The final scores had Wetherby at 33 – 5 tries and 4 conversions and Ripon at 35 – 5 tries and 5 conversions. Plus some very wet and muddy but happy Ripon players!

Tries scored by John Gault (2), Gavin Nicholson (1), and William Ranson (1) - Conversions by William Spence. Some great supporting play from Paddy Connell, James Woolfenden, and Joshua Webb to name but a few.

The RFU have issued a poster on the corrrect management of concussion within the game. It offers practical advice on how to deal with suspected concussion as well as guidelines for resumption of training/playing after concussion. Click thumbnail to see the full size poster.

The latest edition of Rugbycoach newsletter is now available for club coaches to download from the Coaches’ Corner

Thanks to James Parkes of Leeds Carnegie for delivering an excellent front row clinic at Ripon Rugby club tonight. James is a hooker in the current Leeds premiership side and offered valuable insights into the sometimes mysterious world of front row play. The session was well attended by coaches from various clubs/schools; there was also a large contingent of interested players from the University of York St. John. Ripon’s senior and development squads were also well represented, all keen to steal a march on future adversaries!

James concentrated (not surprisingly) on the basics of body and foot position and was keen to stress speed into the gap on engagement. He also provided very practical advice and insights for both loose and tightheads. He did broaden his session to look at the role of the locks and backrows in supporting the front row at scrum time.

The feedback was hugely positive and I know the younger players picked up useful practical tips from James that they are keen to utilise.

A reminder that there is a front row clinic at the club tonight at 7.00pm.  Click here for details.

The new 1st and 3rd team photos are now on the photos page.

Ripon finally lost their unbeaten home record to old rivals Pocklington. In a game that saw Pocklington enjoy much of the possession, they were unable to turn possession into points. Ripon defended well throughout the game and for the final 20 minutes played some very inventive and attacking rugby that put Pocklington on the back foot, forcing penalty after penalty. At 8 a piece with about 5 minutes to go the home crowd would have settled for a draw. Alas with memories of Leos a penalty just outside the 22 for the opposition gave them the opportunity to take the points, which they were more than happy to do.

The lack of ball at the set piece and a laps at the lineout which allowed a ridiculous catch and drive from the 10m were Ripons undoing plus some fundamental handling errors. All of these points can be addressed in training so no need to sound any alarm bells.

Full report to follow…

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.

(more…)

Yesterday marked another landmark day for the club as the first of our recent “home grown” youngsters stepped into senior rugby. Dean Sidley and Conor Hurley made their senior club debuts as the Wakeman XV enjoyed a 15-9 victory over York. Dean joined the club as an under-10 while Conor has played rugby at Ripon since he was 6; to the best of my knowledge Conor is the first player in the club’s recent history to have played at every junior age group and then become a senior player (I’m sure someone will correct me if they know differently).

Given the relatively recent advent of “mini” rugby I’m not sure anyone else has started at under 7’s and gone all the way through to senior rugby (BobW?).

They were joined yesterday by Under 18’s Will Parks and Johnny Frank who’ve being playing for the last few weeks, giving a more youthful look to the Wakeman XV.

It was also a great privilege for me to be on the pitch playing with them having coached them both for so long! I hope you both go on to experience many more enjoyable days at the club. Thanks in particular to Bob, Rabbit, Lamby and Johnny for looking after them yesterday and making sure their first taste of “big boys” rugby was a good one. The good news is there are plenty more of these lads to come through.