In atrocious conditions and against spirited opposition, Ripon thankfully returned to winning ways with a gritty second half comeback. Not a day for fluid Rugby by any means and with wind and rain that did nobody any favours, this was a real test of fortitude for both sides to just keep playing.

In a dull first half for the hosts in which despite dominating the scrums, they simply couldn’t get into gear, Ripon succumbed to a late converted try before the half time whistle and looked as clueless as they were pointless.

This week’s squad had another new look to it with some fourteen changes in all, including eight recalls. Notable returnees were the two Fijian Wings Take and Sovatabua, both of whom, braved the elements manfully but weren’t able to make much of the limited possession that came their way. Billy Burgin also rejoined the squad after a long injury lay off and made a great impression in the second half.

The Ripon pack dominance in the first half set up many attacking phases, with some big carries from the usual suspects: Austin, Butterill and Dalby. Unfortunately the weather put the mockers on most plays and handling errors aplenty made for a stop start affair. The high point of the first period came in the dying moments when with Drane yellow carded or dissent, Roundhegians ran a ball quickly out of defence and using a simple overlap, scored a converted try to take the lead 0 – 7 at the break.

In the second half, Ripon sought to use the elements to their advantage with some lengthy kicks from Daley. Soon the pressure began to tell and after 10 minutes, from a series of short drives, Dalby crashed over the reduce the deficit to 5 – 7. Within a few more minutes, Ripon were battering the visitors’ line again, this time Butterill was held up.

Next up at 26 minutes, Tom Austin’s efforts were rewarded after a driving maul from a line out crossed the line to score The Blues’ second try to take the lead 10 – 7. Again the wind played havoc with the conversion attempt.

As the half progressed, Ripon looked more comfortable but perhaps sought to play with more adventure that the conditions allowed. A simpler, more structured close order of play would probably have yielded better results but the Ripon youngsters continued to throw the ball around with varying degrees of success. The home efforts came to fruition at 34 minutes when a clearance kick from Borchard was half charged down. Sovatabua was first to hack the loose ball on and catch it on the full. Making some 40 metres before being stopped, Sovatabua handed on the perfect offload to Hanson to run in for Ripon’s third try. Again the conversion went awry but at 15 – 7, Ripon were pleased with the opening gap.

The final few minutes saw a resurgence by Roundhegians, who countered from a failed clearance and pressed deep into home territory. Fortunately another handling error stopped their momentum and the final whistle was a welcome relief.

Not a sporting spectacle by any means and maybe some questionable decisions and options taken, but Ripon will be delighted with the win and the resilience shown in managing the elements and the unsettling changes to the squad line up.

Next week, Ripon are back on the road, away to Bramley Phoenix on Saturday 14th December for a 2.15pm kick off, all travelling supporters very welcome.