Last Sunday Ripon Rugby Girls u15s were crowned County Area Bowl final champions after defeating Old Crossleyans 10 – 7 in a tense final at Darlington RUFC.

During a season long campaign of pool matches Ripon Rugby u15s Girls beat a path to the area finals of the national cup. Competing against teams from across the north east the girls narrowly missed out on a cup final place, but faced off in the bowl final against Old Crossleyans.

The girls beat off strong opposition from the Halifax based side, with the forwards dominating the set piece and creating a solid platform for the backs to run at Crossleyans. A close game between two well matched sides saw Crossleyans break away during the first half, finding a gap in the Ripon defence to score the first try, which was converted for the extra two points.

Fired up by this lapse in concentration Ripon fought back with their trademark passion, forcing Crossleyans onto the back foot inside their 22 metre line. A powerful break by flanker Olivia Ward saw her cross the line for Ripon`s first try of the day. Maddie Wrights attempt at the difficult conversion fell short and Ripon went into half time 5 -7 down.

The second half was no less captivating. The quality of Rugby on display by both teams was exceptional. Ripon dominated again, forcing Crossleyans back into their half and applying yet more pressure. Crossleyans defended mightily but were always working hard to keep Ripon at bay.

With Ripon camped inside the Crossleyans 5 metre line, Olivia Ward peeled off the back of a maul, passed out of a tackle to Emily Cooper who dived over the try line in the corner to give Ripon a slim lead. Another tough conversion attempt for Maddie Wright fell short. 10 – 7 and all to play for.

The last 15 minutes were tense, the result could still go either way. Ripon pushed forward into the opposition half until Crossleyans broke free and pushed back to Ripon`s 22. Possession passed between both teams with impressive defensive play on both sides.
Eventually Ripon won a free kick just outside their 22 and scrum half Amy Wilshaw kicked to touch, prompting the final whistle to blow. A jubilant Ripon team celebrated success along with their vocal travelling supporters. A well-deserved victory for our Ripon Rugby girls who all played with total commitment and in the true spirit of the game.

The girls were presented with their plaque following the game and returned to Mallorie Park with Ripon Rugby clubs first ever award for Girls rugby.

Ripon Rugby Union Football Club

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