Ripon RUFC run in 14 tries as they thrash Malton & Norton RUFC 2nd XV in difficult conditions
Blues record another bonus-point victory as they climb to fourth place in Yorkshire Two A
Ripon RUFC ran in 14 tries as they thrashed Malton & Norton RUFC’s 2nd XV in a game played in atrocious conditions.
The Blues followed up recent wins over Driffield 2nds and local rivals Northallerton with another impressive display, securing a third consecutive bonus point as they climbed to second place in the Yorkshire Two standings.
One of the big factors in their success was a marked improvement in discipline, as they conceded just five penalties across the afternoon compared with the visitors’ tally of 17.
The home forwards established control at the set-piece, providing possession that enabled them to enjoy sustained attacks, while scrum-half Max Marston and fly-half Harry Drane directed play through their accurate passing and tactical kicking.
And, despite the conditions, Ripon maintained that continuity through some slick handling and useful support play.
Tommy Graham opened the scoring after 10 minutes, before Adam Newcombe’s two tries extended the Blues’ lead.
James Pearce secured the four-try bonus point following Allan Hudson’s line-out interception and break, then Graham added his second, with further tries from Harry Veitch and Freddy Wharton giving Ripon a 47–0 half-time advantage.
Full-back James Cooper was in good form with the boot, converting six of the seven first-half touchdowns.
Wharton completed his hat-trick early in the second period, finishing attacks involving Matt Binks and Hudson, then Billy Fletcher, Dan Rayner and Matt Binks.
Will Barrett entered the fray after 55 minutes and scored twice as Ripon continued to create opportunities from line-out drives and midfield breaks.
Niall Maddock finished a move featuring Graham, Cooper, Rayner and Barrett before Hudson went over following another line-out steal.
Veitch added his second from a quickly-taken Marston penalty, with Cooper’s final conversion completing the scoring.
Malton & Norton were unable to register any points despite offering some periods of resistance during the second 40.
In their previous outing, the Blues were forced to work somewhat harder for a 34-22 success away at Driffield 2nds.
Their try-scorers over in East Yorkshire were man of the match Maddock, Tom Austin, Rayner Cooper and Graham.
Next up for Ripon is a visit Stacks Field to face Ilkley Barbarians this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.