Ripon RUFC run in five tries as they stun league leaders Bridlington RUFC
Ripon RUFC served up arguably their finest performance of the season to date as they beat top-of-the-table Bridlington RUFC in comprehensive fashion.
The Seasiders headed into Saturday's Yorkshire Two fixture having won 12 of their opening 13 games, but they had no answer to a determined Blues outfit, who ran in five tries.
Ripon began brightly and, from the opening minutes, they set the tempo, demonstrating their intent.
They put their visitors under some early pressure, and with persistent drizzle falling, were rewarded for that strong start when prop Marika Koroiyadi crossed following a driving maul.
Moments later, winger Zak Kirby added a second try following a perfectly judged box kick from returning scrum-half Mark Baldwin.
The score-line was then nudged along to 12-0 by Morgan Clark's successful conversion.
Ripon’s attacking momentum continued deep into the first half, with standout performances throughout the back line.
Fly-half Clark orchestrated play effectively before leaving late on with a shoulder injury, while centres Tom Graham and James Collins combined contrasting styles to great effect.
And just before the interval, their good work brought a third touchdown as flying Fijian wing Aborosio Sovatabua finished off an excellent counter-attack. Clark added the extras again, and the hosts took a 19-0 advantage into the interval.
Bridlington rallied early in the second period, capitalising on a spell of scrum pressure to score their only try of the match and reducing the deficit at 19-5.
But, Ripon quickly regained control, with Clark booting over a penalty before a brief stoppage followed after an accidental collision left the referee requiring medical attention.
Play then resumed and the Blues maintained their composure and structure despite some powerful work by the formidable opposition forwards.
In the closing stages, Ripon’s work-rate and physicality proved decisive and they were able to add more points to their tally.
Graham powered over for the bonus-point try, which was then followed soon afterwards by a well-taken score by number eight Jordan Layne.
With the result beyond any doubt, that sustained period of home pressure ended and Bridlington were awarded several late penalties, though they were unable to find a way through a resolute Blues defence.
Victory sees the men from Mallorie Park move up to seventh place in the table ahead of next weekend's derby showdown away at local rivals Northallerton.