Ripon/ Harrogate 18 V Sandal U18
Ripon RFUC
25th September 2pm KO
Match Report

Ripon & Harrogate hosted Sandal Girls in the first round of the national cup on Sunday having only had one training session as a squad and some new players who had never played before.
Ripon/Harrogate kicked off the first half and found themselves 0-10 down without getting possession of the ball with only 5 minutes gone. From that point on it was apparent that this match was going to be an uphill struggle against opponents that were a level above the newly formed squad.
Ripon/ Harrogate defended determinedly and stemmed the flow of scoring for 10mins before a 4 tries flurry at a rate of 1 every 4mins brought the score to 0-30 with 30mins gone. With added injury time Sandal managed to run in two tries and with one conversion finished the half 0-42 ahead.
The start of the second half was almost a repeat of the first with Sandal kicking off and winning a turn over and quickly scoring and doing the same from the returning re-start to quickly score two more tries in the first 5mins. However Ripon /Harrogate never lost heart and tackled remorselessly with notable defensive performances from Jess Merin voted Ripon/ Harrogate player of the match Abi Lovel at scrum half and Achele Agada at No 8 & Helen Elsworth who came on put in a strong 2nd half performance.
Sandal scored another 4 tries to bring the final tally to 14 uncontested tries and two conversions. Sandal were clearly a class above and played the game as it should be played with sportsmanship and an intensity that left little opportunity to attack. This said there is plenty for Ripon and Harrogate to build upon given the relentless onslaught they never lost spirit or gave up and gave a harder test in the second half. Well done to all the girls who have been dedicated and shown up for training every week come rain or shine.
This was a hard fought test which Ripon and Harrogate girls can build upon and be proud of the way they conducted themselves on and off the pitch

Ripon Rugby Union Football Club

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