From promising starts, the weather of the day descended into a downpour of biblical proportions before brightening up somewhat towards the end. That was pretty much the way this hastily rearranged match turned out, after both planned first and second team matches were called off. In similar circumstances, due to the lack of travelling player capacity from arranged opposition clubs, neither planned game was able to go ahead. A sad indictment for the state of club rugby at level eight in general and for the sustainability of second team rugby in particular. Thankfully, North Yorkshire neighbours Wharfedale were able to help out and The Blues entertained their third fifteen, in what turned out to be a reasonable win for the visitors, but an outstanding performance for this blend of youth and experience, old and new players, who are the life-blood of Ripon Rugby Club.

Like the weather, Ripon started brightly, cooled down and adapted well to the damp and miserable conditions and then finished strongly as the sun resurfaced over Mallorie Park. The Blues’ team numbered some twenty-six players in total, the aim being to offer as many developing and senior squad peripheral players as much game time as possible, whilst providing a solid platform from second team regulars. Under the experienced leadership of second team skipper Mark Hooley, Ripon maintained a strong grip on their own game and prevented the opposition from running away with things. With two tries in each half, Wharfedale exited the field frustrated and disappointed that they hadn’t come away with a more emphatic victory. The result was down to the heroic determination of The Blues’ defensive efforts and early interventions in attack. If the visitors had a weakness, it was in accommodating their expectations that they didn’t run away with the match and pour more points on Ripon. For the hosts, it was down to sheer guts and determination, to defend with a purpose and attack from every opportunity. Sadly, most of Ripon’s ground gained ended in handling errors due to the appalling weather, or simply over-complicating plays that over-extended support.

With evenly matched squads in open play, it was perhaps the set piece that let Ripon down. Not the dominant force they aspired to be, The Blues struggled for most of the game at scrum time and did just enough in the line out to keep possession alive. Special mentions at this point must highlight the performance of Meli Tuicina at Number eight, who grabbed the game by the short and curlies from the outset and made several hard yards from the scrum base and in the open. Alas it was not to be, as his efforts went unrewarded with any points on the board.
Of note during the game were the early efforts in the first half of former club captain Dom Butler in his first game after a long injury lay off. The Dom was back in true reckless form as ever, both in attack and defence and certainly going to pose questions of selectors as to where and when he will enter mainstream play again.

Influential in the pack were last year’s club skipper Barker, who made great inroads in all phases and second team skipper Hooley, who led by example by putting himself in situations where many men half his age wouldn’t bother and coming out on top. Hopefully he could still walk on Sunday.

In the backs, new signing Ben Naiqilai was a firebrand at Scrum Half initially and then at Number 10, with sniping runs and precision passing to get attacks moving. The evergreen Bob Whitaker worked his usual magic and brought an air of quiet composure to the event and new signing Tom Nixon-Longstaff showed promise for the future. Last but not least, the low-slung frame of Oscar Lees worked tirelessly in any position demanded of him and added considerable energy and passion to the fray.

OK the result didn’t go Ripon’s way and the lack of any score for The Blues was a disappointment. What was a major boost for the club however, was the opportunity to test more combinations of new players of varying levels of experience and see how they worked together. There will be wins and losses to come but the gelling of these enthusiastic youngsters and their more mature playing colleagues is what the club is all about. The future’s bright, the future’s blue.

Next week Ripon first team squad are on the road to Wakefield based Ossett and expecting a tough reception, while the second team remain at home to hopefully entertain Ilkley thirds. Perhaps another similar challenge to this one, faced with lower sides from clubs higher up the divisional structure. All kick offs on Saturday 19th October are at 3.00pm and all supporters will be very welcome.