Ripon RUFC beaten on the road at Huddersfield Laund Hill RUFC in final outing of 2025

The Blues headed into Saturday's contest without a victory in their two previous matches, having drawn with Baildon last time out following an away defeat at Halifax Vandals.

And that winless run was extended into a third game as the men from Mallorie Park ended up on the wrong end of a 38-21 score-line over in West Yorkshire.

A closely-contested opening period ended with Ripon very much in the game thanks to a try from fly-half Morgan Clark, which he converted himself, plus three penalty goals from the boot of the same player.

But Laund Hill’s pace and power proved too much for the visitors after the break, and they ran out comfortable winners in the end despite Adam Newcombe’s second-half consolation try.

Saturday's loss was Ripon's sixth in 10 league matches this term and leaves them eighth in the table with 19 points to their name.

Their underwhelming form thus far comes as something of a surprise after they performed so impressively during 2024/25 on their way to a third-placed finish.

The season began with a 32-15 reverse at the hands of Bradford & Bingley, but they immediately bounced back with a 15-10 home success over Roundhegians.

Comprehensive cup triumphs against Whitley Bay Rockliff and Ossett followed and the Blues appeared to have found their rhythm, only to then suffer back-to-back league losses to Bramley Phoenix and Old Otliensians.

A derby-day demolition of local rivals Northallerton saw them get back on track, however another defeat followed that 47-0 win when they visited Halifax.

Ossett were beaten once again towards the end of November, though Ripon have not tasted victory since that 25-14 success on home soil.

The Blues return to action after their Christmas break with a tricky-looking trip to the seaside to take on top-of-the-table Bridlington, who have lost just one of their first 10 league games this season.

That Yorkshire Two fixture is scheduled to take place on Saturday January 3.