Going anywhere interesting over the summer? If so, then we want your photos! Take Ripon Rugby Club on tour by getting a photograph of yourself in some exotic locations wearing your club badge or colours. Then send the pictures to info@riponrugby.co.uk with some background information.

We’re looking for pictures we can publish featuring recognisable landmarks, exotic locations, rugby grounds etc. from all over the world (inc. UK) - the more unusual the better. We’d also love to hear from “Ripon Exiles” who may be reading. So whether senior or junior player, retired or still too young to play, get your kit on and your cameras out!

Struggling to find ways to pass your time next Monday? Missing your team-mates? Want to be able to have a few pints whilst pretending to spend time with t’missus and t’kids? Then get yourselves down to the Cathedral grounds! Should be a good laugh and chance to have (another) post/pre-season bevvy together.
Dave’s got an early evening do at the Matrix which follows on from the festival (the band playing at the festival are playing in the Matrix with another couple of cracking artists later on). Have a look at his website www.dmblivemusic.co.uk if you fancy coming along - should be a good day all round! (Although it says £11 on the door you can get them off Dave or me for £10). Pass the word on to those who don’t visit the blog. Hopefully see you there!

The IRB is currently trialling a number of Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) in the Super 14 competition. The key law changes being trialled include: most offences being downgraded to to free-kick; allowing the maul to be collapsed; a introduction of a 5 metre offside law at scrum.

The RFU is concerned about the potential imapct on grassroots rugby should the law changes become permanent. Therefore they are asking for views on the changes and their potential impact. You can view the ELV’s and have your say at rfusurvey.co.uk. It takes about 10 minutes to complete online.

Ripon Over 21’s won the club challenge match in an exciting 10’s game today. The youngsters were unable to match the physicality and guile of the more senior side which counted eight first team players in it’s squad. In contrast the Under 21 squad featured eighteen players who are 18 or younger.

The senior side earned it’s victory through some excellent play from the club’s two top try scorers this season - Rob Harrison and Gaz Matthews. However it was the return of Steve Moss-Blundell that really caught the eye. Despite going down with an injury (again) he was still the “old boys” top try scorer today. They benefitted from the “stick it up your jumper” ploys suited to the wet conditions - Al “Nozzer” Norrie scored (enough said!!!).

In contrast the Under 21’s entertained the crowd with some free-flowing rugby. There is no doubt that a game played on a drier, firmer surface would have seen a different result. However the senior boys were not be to outdone. Congratulations to new arrival Hayden “Chewie” Stratford on his first try in a Ripon jersey.

Well done everyone - you contributed to a fine spectacle of rugby - let’s make this a new fixture in our calendar.

Click on the picture above to see more photos from the game.

Last night’s players’ dinner saw the presentation of awards to the following:

1st XV Most Valuable Player: Craig Wolloms
1st XV Most Improved Player:Gareth “Gaz” Matthews

2nd XV Most Valuable Player: Patrick “Bob” Whittaker
1st XV Most Improved Player: Ben Hawkins

3rd XV Most Valuable Player: Simon Williamson
3rd XV Most Improved Player: Aaron “H” Horseman

Coaches’ Award, recognising outstanding effort: Mike Buttrell

The Over 21’s preparation for Sunday’s game has been rocked by a poaching scandal. There are allegations that “strong arm” tactics have been used to coerce Under 21’s away from the safety of their own squad. Photographic evidence leaves very little doubt about the allegation. Neither Dan The Gas Man or Steve “splinter” Moss-Blundell were available for immediate comment.

Up until now there has only be pride to play for. However I am delighted to reveal that there is now a prestigious trophy to be played for. The trophy may well be unveiled tonight at the players dinner. The trophy will be awarded on Sunday to the winning* side.

*At the discretion of the organiser (IRB Rules) the trophy may be awarded to the side that comes second but earns sufficient merit points. Further details on the merit point system may (possibly) be obtained from the organiser or his official agent Mr. R. Mugabe.

Further to some lengthy negotiations this afternoon I have managed to secure the signing of two players for the Over 21’s - Phil Matthews and Gaz Shaw. Gaz is almost 23 yers old and Phil is 21 years and 11 months old, therefore making both eligible for the Over 21’s and ineligible for U21’s teams under the new RFU (Rules For Us) directive which states, and i quote; “players aged over 21 years and 6 months are only allowed to play for teams with an Over 21’s status”.  The RFU also advises that “should an U21’s team have any complaints about this ruling, keep them to yourself. Otherwise we will carry out a thorough investigation of that team’s squad and if it is found that they harbour other ineligible players, they too will be offered to an Over 21’s team, or prevented from playing full stop”. The two players will be unveiled either at the players dinner tonight, or, on match-day!