Ripon 20 v Leos 15

Report By Ian Nicholson

Leos had the better of the opening quarter and after pressure in the opposition 22,Jordache Myerscough crashed over and Jonny Moore converted to give Leos the lead on 20 minutes. Ripon came back strongly and tried to get their backs into the game but were met by fierce defence from the mid-field trio of Tom Bindloss, Danny Thompson and LennyLane.

Pressure eventually told and an overlap was created to enable them to score in the corner which was magnificently converted by their young stand-off. Ripon finished the half strongly and had two relatively simple penalty attempts which were pushed wide. Half-time 7-7.

Leos began the half strongly and were rewarded with an early penalty which put them in front By Jonny Moore 10-7. Two other chances one from 40 yards which hit the crossbar and another from in front of the posts was pulled wide. Leos then paid the price for not clearing their lines when they had the opportunity to do so and crisp handling enabled full-back and captain Bell to score in the left corner, again converted to put them in the lead 10-14.

Ripon appeared energised by this score and continued to press but with 17 minutes to go and 10 yards from the Leos line their No.8 was somewhat controversially sent off for a “tip tackle” which in most eyes probably merited a yellow card. However, Leos quickly took advantage and kicked to touch from a penalty and from the resulting lineout broke free and Pete Goodwin scored in the corner for an unconverted try 15-14.

With 15 minutes to go Leos needed to play for position and almost immediately were awarded a free-kick which should have been kicked to touch to force Ripon to come from deep. Instead it was tapped and Leos were penalised in front of their posts and Ripon found themselves handed the lead 15-17. A further contentious penalty close to our posts just before the end finished the scoring 15-20.

A lot of positives to be taken from the effort and performance, but a game which was lost by us rather than won by Ripon, who kept on to the end as usual.

Pete Goodwin was outstanding as the stand-in No.9 and the second-string front row battled manfully for the full 80 minutes. All the other players playing out of position performed well with Lenny Lane outstanding in snuffing out a dangerous looking centre partnership for Ripon , but who were given little opportunity to run.

Scorers: Tries; Myerscough Goodwin, Con: Moore, Pen: Moore