Ripon deliver a commanding 62–7 victory over Halifax Vandals

Spring sunshine and a buoyant atmosphere at Mallorie Park provided the backdrop for a highly successful weekend for Ripon RFC, as the First XV delivered a commanding 62–7 victory over Halifax Vandals in Counties 2 Yorkshire, Round 18.

Despite the emphatic scoreline and nine-try haul, Halifax Vandals deserve credit for their commitment and competitiveness, particularly at scrum time, where they contested strongly throughout.

However, Ripon’s ability to field a backline largely operating in preferred positions proved decisive, showcasing a level of attacking fluency that underlined the squad’s growing confidence and potential.

The opening half was more measured, with both sides cautiously testing each other and exchanges of penalties keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Ripon struck first through Number 8 Elliot Davies-Taylor, who finished a well-constructed move involving multiple phases and effective recycling.

Fly-half Morgan Clark added the conversion before extending the lead with a penalty goal.

Halifax responded with a well-deserved converted try following sustained pressure, narrowing the gap to 10–7.

However, just before the break, Ripon capitalised on a yellow card conceded by the visitors, with skipper James Pearce touching down from a catch-and-drive to give the hosts a 15–7 advantage at half-time.

The second half belonged firmly to Ripon.

Maintaining discipline and increasing the tempo, the home side made full use of their numerical advantage, quickly extending the lead through Jordan Layne and Henry Hanson.

A moment of brilliance followed when lock Billy Fletcher intercepted a midfield pass and sprinted clear for a spectacular long-range try, further stretching the advantage.

As the match entered the final quarter, Halifax continued to battle, but Ripon’s forward power and attacking cohesion proved relentless.

Allan Hudson added to the tally after a driving line-out, before further tries from Harry Drane, Morgan Clark and Ollie Lang-Burns completed the scoring.

Clark’s contribution from the tee was outstanding, finishing the afternoon with a personal haul of 22 points and taking his season total to 193.

While the result does not alter Ripon’s current sixth-place position in Yorkshire Two, the five-point victory consolidates their place in the top half of the table with four league fixtures remaining.

More importantly, it reinforces belief within a squad that had undergone significant selection changes, including 13 alterations from the previous week, due to injuries, absences and returning players.

Ripon now turn their attention to the challenge of an away fixture at Baildon, aiming to build on renewed confidence, strong discipline and an impressive demonstration of what the side is capable of when executing the basics well.