Saturday 6 April - Billingham v Wharfedale (A) KO 2.15pm ------- Billingham 2nd XV v Foresters (A) KO 2.15pm ------

Ripon 2’s 15 Wharfedale Development XV 78

After the Rams’ convincing win by 7-40 at Skipton last week, it was time for the 3rds to exhibit their skills at Ripon.  A beautiful spring day welcomed the Greens to Mallorie Park.  A healthy mix of Colts and more experienced campaigners took to the field against what looked like an abrasive and well-drilled Ripon side.

Early exchanges – fifteen minutes of stalemate rugby – gave no indication of the volume of scoring which was to follow.  Jonathan Davies set the ball rolling with a try which he then converted.  This triggered a speedy response from the hosts who scored an unconverted try themselves.

As the nerves settled, the Dalesmen began to establish a very firm grip on the game and started to play open, fast-paced rugby.  This led to an impressive lead at half time of 35-5.

The Hornblowers began the second half by applying pressure, but sadly for them they had no points to show for it.  As soon as the Greens got on the offensive there was a flurry of tries and these put the game totally beyond Ripon’s reach.  When they did finally make out how to make headway via old school pick and go, it was too late to make up the insurmountable leeway.  To their credit, they did score two unconverted tries in the closing stages.

We were grateful for Ripon’s decision to allow this rearranged fixture to go ahead and to the 25 Wharfedale lads who were keen to travel.

SQUAD

Duncan Clayton Stead, Mark Tywang, Andy Snell, George Hayton, Sam Mason, Ethan Spencer, Ben MacParland, Jamie Wake, Ollie Cicognini, Tom Darwin, Michael Beer, Jonathan Davies, Olly McNab, Tom Whitehead, Harley Debney Succoia, Jimmy Meehan, Zeb Heyes, Tom Fitsell, Luke Craven, Morgan Davies, Tom Rymer, Josh Lloyd, Joe Moorhouse, Freddie Marsden, Fin Brewster.

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