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ASHBOURNE 4th XV 21 - 10 RIPLEY RHINOS 2nd XV
FRIENDLY
Saturday 15th March 2008
Skipper James Franco took a side depleted by last minute work, injuries and 1st team call-ups to Ashbourne 4ths for this friendly encounter. The home side were generous and lent Ripley players to ensure an even-sided, highly contested game. Rhinos started strongly, with good running lines from centre Micky Hope-Smith breaking the gain line and setting up good possession for Ripley's strong pack. The first score of the game came from a Rhino turnover; the ball was stolen by Ashbourne, who put it through the hands, and a very strong run by their centre showed the black and white's defence a clean pair of heels and he scored under the posts. The try was duly converted to make the score 7-0 to the home side. Ripley continued to trouble Ashbourne, with the forwards setting up good phase play, backed up superbly by scrum half Martin Cooper, and led strongly, as always, by the back row of Nick Lovell, Adam Parker and Adam Beecroft. Unfortunately, the pressure that the Ripley forwards placed on Ashbourne never materialised into points, as Ashbourne were very good at turning the ball over, and had pace in their backs that punished Ripley twice more before half time, scoring two more converted tries.
Rhinos good display gave them hope for the second half even though they were 21-0 down. Fly half Franco did his best to set his backs away at every opportunity, and took the ball on himself strongly on occasion, showing the footwork of someone half his size. A break from centre Gavin Riley made 40 yards before he was brought down 10 yards short. Ashbourne conceded a penalty at the ruck, allowing Franco the chance to knock the kick over, giving Ripley their first points of the afternoon. More pressure from Ripley led to chances to score, that unfortunately were not taken. Hope-Smith was stopped inches short after a strong run. Adam Parker would have surely scored if the pass from Hope-Smith had gone to hand. Ripley finally managed to turn the pressure into more points when a kick was chased well by full back Vinny Gunn, Riley and Parker. They forced the kick into touch by the Ashbourne full back, and gave Ripley good attacking field position. Hooker Craig Culshaw found front jumper Lovell in the lineout, and the forwards set up some strong phase play to draw in the Ashbourne players, Cooper found Franco, who drew his man and put Keith Finney away to score the try, with Franco converting. Ashbourne created more chances, and were unlucky not to score, when their man was over the line, but had the ball ripped away by Culshaw to stop a certain try. More good defence from second row Kris Marina, and prop Chris Williams, saw Ashbourne denied any more points in the game, and the match finished 21-10 to the home team.
Thanks go to Ashbourne for lending players to even the sides and those players playing so well against their own team. Ripley continued their good rugby from last week but were beaten by the better side on the day. Rhino's man of the match was scrum half Martin Cooper, for his excellent distribution and support play.
Rhino's rugby training for both men and women is from 7pm-9pm on Thursdays on the floodlit Astroturf at Mill Hill School in Ripley - all new players are welcome - for more details ring 07816 779018.