A beautiful sunny afternoon saw Wharfedale take the field at Ripon with not only a full team but also with a couple of finishers. Early exchanges looked like it was going to be a fast- paced encounter. New scrum half Kitching was the first to open the Dalesmen’s account with JD converting. The latter then crossed the whitewash himself and again converted. Ripon applied their own pressure and went into the break 7-14 down.
The second half saw the Dale slip in their ways, the set pieces becoming sloppy and not as effective. Our only points came from a JD penalty. Over zealous tackling by one of the back row saw Dale finish the match a man light. Ripon then had a good spell and a converted try and a penalty ensured the draw.
The match saw senior debuts for Tom Taylor, Charles Booth and Joe Jeanes.
Squad
Ellison, Rymer, Hirst, Clay, Fitsell, Jeanes, Carlisle, Kitching (Try), M. Davies, J Davies (2 Tries & 2 conversions), P.Booth, Rodgers, Mckenzie, Wake, Rhodes.
Replacements
Charnley, Taylor