Ripon come out Deserving Victors

Leo's 2nd XV welcomed Ripon to Crag Lane on Saturday for friendly on the first weekend post RWC2015 which allowed for 3 teams to be up and running for the first time this season. As ever all good plans were distorted by late drop outs across the board and following a bit of horse trading Leo's 2s entered the fray with 14 men and a good wet pitch to keep the opposition in check. Things took a turn for the worst almost immediately with Josh pulling up lame with his first touch of the ball. Fair credit to Josh despite this he managed to stay on the field and provide a number of important interventions along the way and deserves massive wraps for this sign of true commitment.

Ripon took the lead when their fly half decided to take the 3 points on offer from a penalty much to the derision of his fellow team members and the opposition - who kicks penalties in a friendly?! Thankfully with this decision along with the late arrival of Will Crawforth and the wind at their backs Leo's managed to gain some field position and possession. With Binloss digging deep into his box of tricks at fly half and half breaks being made Leo's set up a driving maul from the lineout from a penalty at the breakdown and despite the suspicion of a knock Billy Marsh spotted the open goal line and made a dash and a dive for the first try of the game in the corner. Tweds slotted the touchline conversion to give Leo's a well deserved 7-3 lead. Unfortunately the last 5 minutes of the half belonged to the visitors with 2 quick tries allowed Ripon to turn round with a 17-7 lead and the dying wind at their backs.

The 2nd half was a continuation of the end of the 1st half with plenty of effort and half chances created by Leo's not being finished off or backed up with the necessary support. Ripon cored 4 excellent tries as their dominant scrum and better drilled forward pack and youthful backs began to make their territorial and possession dominance tell on the scoreboard. Leo's effort never dwindled and if a few more passes had stuck there was definitely plenty of opportunities for the hosts to have put a few more scores on the board.

A thoroughly enjoyable match played in fairly soggy conditions throughout made for a well earned pint in the bar afterwards for all.