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MANOR PARK 2nd XV 57 - 12 RIPLEY RHINOS 2nd XV
FRIENDLY
Saturday 12th April 2008
The magical mystery tour that is playing for Rhinos 2nds this week touched down at Manor Park in Nuneaton to play their very strong third string. It was clear from the early stages that the home side were faster and fitter than Rhinos, though Ripley had the edge when they could keep the ball tight and work around their pack. After ten minutes of pressure, the home side scored despite good tackling from No. 8 Adam Beecroft and centre Gavin Riley. Another try followed after Ripley were dozy at a short tap penalty and when a third went in, Rhinos began to worry for the scoreline of the match. The black and whites then went on the offensive with some powerful runs from second rows Mike Symonds and Rich Mullard earning them good field position. Another break from winger Rocky Jones, driven on by full back Keith Harrison, saw them into the home side 22. Eventually Ripley were awarded an penalty 5 metres out and skipper Dave Trubee eschewed the more sensible options to run head first at the defence and ground the ball to score. Manor Park managed another score through their impressive backs to go in 26-5 ahead at half time.
The home side certainly had some impressive runners and ball handlers in the backline and whenever they got their hand on the ball they had more than Ripley's eager but not as fit backs could deal with. A couple more tries came before again Rhinos got their close game going, with scrum half Paul Stevenson being the catalyst with his promptings and urgings of his pack, and a third phase ball came out for Trubee who side-stepped his way under the posts to score. Centre Paul Buzzard added the conversion, a reward for Rhino's hard efforts. The home side continued to run the ball at a very tired Ripley and managed more tries before the end to come out 57-12 winners.
As ever, Rhinos learnt from this match. The performances from prop Kris Marina, flanker Paul Home and No. 8 Adam Beecroft all bode well for the future. Scrum half Paul Stevenson won the player of the match award from his teammates for his excellent distribution, leading of the pack and defensive cover work.
Rhino's rugby training for both men and women is from now back under natural light from 6.45pm-8pm on Thursdays at the back of the Beehive pub in Ripley - all new players are welcome - for more details ring 07816 779018.