The squad selections for Saturday’s games against Northallerton can be viewed here.

Well done today in Skipton several new faces stepped up to cover for those unavailable to face a relatively unchanged Skipton side.  After the first 30 minutes things were not looking good.  However, the final 10 of the first half and the majority of the second half was very inspired.  110% effort from everyone.  James and Natt made their debuts for the firsts this season. 

We had possible 5 scrum half’s on the pitch if we include Pottsy and Bob (sound game at Full Back).

Gaz great try, and Hooksy keep the tackles down!!!!!!

 Have a great Christmas and New Year.  Just think what sort of season we have ahead as we seem to be stronger in the second half.

 See you all at training 3rd Jan (Rob H how about a New Years Resolution to attend on a Thur!!!!!!)

For All Juniors

I’m sure you are looking forward to opening your presents on Christmas Morning and for some there may even be some Rugby gear from the clubs new shop which I think you will all agree is a great success and thanks must go to Mairead Hurley for all the great work she has put in. The club has grown fantastically well and there are now over 260 registered kids all learning our great game of Rugby. This also means that we now have over 60 coaches, managers and helpers and I would like to thank them all on behalf of you young players. Without them we would not be able to enjoy our Rugby Sundays.

For some the game will be part of your life for many years either as a good way of keeping fit and enjoying the camaraderie. For others more talented and determined they can progress onwards. Guy’s like Matt Spedding, Alex Black, Will Latham have all done remarkably well earning places in Yorkshire and above and are an inspiration for us all. Which ever type you are it is all about enjoying your rugby and doing the best you can for your team mates and yourself, the satisfaction of knowing that you did your best at the end of a game is a great feeling.

The club has plans to put up some more floodlights to ease the pressure on pitches and we have had some teams going up to the camp to train. Unfortunately there are no facilities there for the younger ones however we are looking at various options. So watch this space. I’m also sure that you appreciate the nice new changing rooms. After some of the facilities that we go to on away matches we must all be very proud of ours. Let’s do our best to keep them in the fantastic condition that they are now. If you see any one doing any thing to them that isn’t right please tell your coaches. There have been one or two bits of damage already! Let’s not have any more.

Well guys all that remains is for me to say have a fantastic Christmas and I wish those of you that still have Yorkshire cup matches to play the very best and I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Rugby New Year.

The teams for Saturday can be viewed here. The 1st XV are away at Skipton, meet at 11.30. The 2nd XV (Hornblowers) are travelling to Wharfedale, meet at 11.30 also. The 3rd XV (Wakemen) welcome Thirsk’s 1st team to Mallorie Park, meet at 1.00.

Following the second cancellation of this fixture it has now been arranged for the 06.01.08 away at Sheffield. The whole squad are to travel as we will be playing a friendly match against the Sheffield squad as we did at Harrogate. In preperation for this we will be training on the 30.12.07 at Ripon usual time.

The U15 Yorkshire Cup match against Otley is off as the pitches are unplayable at both teams’ grounds.

We’ll try again on 6th January.

Ripon U12s match against Wharfdale on the 16th December has been cancelled. Given the 2nd and 3rd teams (Adults) have cancelled today (Saturday 15th Dec) and the forecast for -3 C overnight with fog and temperatures of no more than +2 C tomorrow it has been decided to cancel our match tomorrow.

 All being well - 10 pin bowling next Sunday in Harrogate 11:00 - please confirm attendance.

The 2nd team (Hornblowers) game against Skipton and 3rd team (Wakemen) against Old Riponians are both off due to frozen pitches at Mallorie Park and Ripon Grammar School. No update yet on the 1st team game away at Skipton.

Guisborough have cancelled on us for Sunday so the Under 17’s league game is off.  Go to brendan’s blog for more details.

The Hornblowers have a home game on Saturday against Old Brod’s; meet at the club for 1.00 pm.