Today's game was a joy to watch for both sets of supporters, with players giving their all and looking to play rugby in difficult, muddy conditions.

After the U16's game was postponed due to the pitch conditions at Claro Road, a number of 16's were available for Colts duty which boosted the team list. After a quick shift around with the names that were on the list and those that were present, Harrogate had 19 players for consideration. Ripon only had 14 so it was agreed a Back Row player from Gate would play for the opposition. Tom Morris (selected from a cast of one) stepped up first. Zac Mullen followed in the 2nd half.

Harrogate Colts were using this friendly as a chance for further development and an opportunity to look at players in different positions that they may be better suited to as they progress to senior rugby.

The first half saw the momentum shift between the two sides as they both wrestled with the conditions yet maintained the attitude to play rugby. Harrogate had their fair share of possession and territory in the first half without looking decisive or penetrating.
Ripon looked strong up front and played up the middle before looking to exploit space out wide with their extremely pacy wingers.

For the first 30minutes it was 0 - 0. Not exactly exciting you might say? You couldn't be further from the truth. Players were tackling strong, hitting rucks hard, looking to ask questions of their opponents, it was gripping!

The half time team talk was pretty simple.
Be more aggressive in our line speed in both attack and defence.

What a difference a simple statement like that can make. Suddenly Gate were alive, taking the ball at pace, putting it through the hands looking to move the defence around and open gaps. Gaps the likes of Josh, Bryn, Luke and Alex were happy to exploit.
The Ripon defence was resolute though and matched our attacking verve.
Where Harrogate dominated possession and territory in the 2nd half, Ripon were clinical with their chances, scoring two quick tries that may well have seen them gallop away with the game. However, Gate were made of sterner stuff today and set up camp in the Ripon 22m pushing and probing, looking to punish Ripon for infringements. That effort was rewarded with a 2nd try.

The end result was 20 - 10 to the home team. It was a hard fought spectacle that was excellent to watch with the plaudits going to both sets of players for their attitude to play rugby in difficult conditions.

The result may not have gone our way today but the performance was excellent, and certainly a number of steps higher than recent outings.
The building for next season continues on Thursday with training at 1900hrs. Lets get numbers there to really push on and build the squad for both U17's & 19's.