Good luck to Alex Back who will start at scrum-half for Scotland U18’s in their final RBS 6 Nations game tomorrow in Cork. Alex has featured in all of Scotland’s games and tomorrow will hope to deny England a grand slam in the final game; Scotland lost to Wales but have beaten Italy, France and hosts Ireland.

Ripon failed to secure a much needed away win as they fell agonisingly short at North Ribblesdale. The forecasted wind and rain had set in before kick off, making playing conditions quite difficult, with Ripon playing into the elements from the kick off.

The home side started brightly and soon put Ripon under the cosh with referee Jonathan Hill duly awarding Ribb a string of penalties. The Ribblesdale fly-half Tom Davidson failed to open the scoring with two attempts at goal, but eventually broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a successful strike.

The home pack were using their weight advantage effectively and the Ripon scrum was repeatedly under pressure. The battle in the loose was also going their way as they forced turnovers and denied Ripon any clean ball. (more…)

No training or games at the club tomorrow as the pitches are waterlogged.  Also no training at the Army camp as the pitches there are also waterlogged.

The 1st and 3rd team squads for Saturday can be viewed here.

Pictures from the Hornblowers’ victory over Roundhegians can be viewed via the photos link.

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. (more…)

Senior squad selections for Saturday can be viewed here.

Ripon put in a fine performance against North 2 (East) side Old Crossleyans side with the final score masking some real positives for the home side. Ripon used the match to give several players a taste of first team rugby; Ben Hawkins made his debut alongside two players from the club’s development squad- 17-year olds Conor Hurley and James Audsley-Beck. Glenn Lyons (also 17) was handed the tough task of running the game from fly-half having previously appeared in an “A” squad fixture at full-back.

The first half was fairly evenly matched with Old Crossleyans having a narrow lead at the break. However, they bolstered their side with several first team players during the second half and secured the win.

The team management lavished praise on the club’s youngsters after the game; Conor’s aerial prowess and hard work in the loose saw him awarded forward of the match and Glenn’s overall control of the game meant he was recognised as best back.

Conor and Glenn both joined the club as 6-year olds and have played all the way through the junior ranks. They are pictured after the game!!

Even though Ripon won 33-17 Malton were unlucky not to finish a lot closer due to a very physical pack.The game was probably the best game of the season so far.
Ripon started by scoring in the first minute after Malton couldn’t release the kick-off ball from a ruck.Ripon won the scrum and Glen May scored his first of two tries under the posts. (more…)

Ripon U13S travelled to Wensleydale for the second time in three weeks, coming away with the same result , a 34-7 win

On a windy day Ripon started by playing downwind, Guy Watkinson making use of this factor. Glenn May started the scoring with a typical strong run , Guy adding the two points. Guy then scored himself sidestepping several of the opposition on the way,again adding the conversion.Glenn scored his second, followed by a strong run on the blindside from Ben Nabarro scoring in the corner.Glenn and Guy then finishing of with one each. Wensleydale scored after putting the Ripon Defence under great pressure.Next week Ripon play Malton at home