On Saturday Northallerton men’s first team hosted local rivals Ripon at home and were totally overwhelmed by a score of 12-85.
Last week North had over 40 players to choose from, this week sadly, there was less than 20 that made themselves available. In my humble opinion some players need to seriously look at themselves and question their commitment to the sport and the club.
However, the 18 that represented the club are not included in that assumption, as they put in a spirited and determined effort, and never allowed their heads to drop.
The writing was on the wall from the off as Ripon scored two tries within the first five minutes with one converted.
North attempted a comeback with a classic catch and drive from a lineout and Matt Clark claiming the try. The conversion by Jack Tart though was unfortunately closer to the corner flag than the goal posts.
Ripon proceeded to dominate the game with their backs looking likely to score every time they passed the ball out wide. Winger Jake Fisher had one of his best defensive displays on the wing putting in quite few leg stopping tackles during a busy afternoon for Norths backs.
Ripon ran in four more tries before half time to build up an insurmountable lead of 5-38.
With North playing the second half down the hill there was hope of making the score a bit closer, but Ripon had other ideas with two quick scores in the first five minutes again. North exerted a spell of pressure in Ripons 22 before eventually trundling over with a second try for Clark, although Phil Swall took credit for nearly carrying Clark like a little baby over the line. This time Tart was successful with the conversion which was in front of the posts.
The rest of the game was all Ripon though as they began to cut through a tiring back line for another six tries before the final whistle.
North gave first team debuts to Harold Ewart (strong name!), who has to be good playing in fluorescent lime green boots, and Archie Turner - who is the third of the renowned Turner dynasty to play for Norths 1st team, following on from father Charlie and grandfather John Turner.
Norths man of the match was awarded to Ed Meek who just edged out Conor Richmond - who somehow and surprisingly, avoided his common yellow or occasional red card.
Next week North travel to old rivals Ilkley Moor Ba Tat to play their second team, which will be the first competitive visit there for over 20 years. Maybe some of the travelling grumpy old men will visit their Betty’s - but will more likely go for fish and chips!

Northallerton men’s 2nd team resume action next week at home to Sedgefield Saxons with a 3pm kick off.

Northallerton Ladies hosted Novocastrian 2nds at home on Sunday afternoon in bright sunshine and cantered to a comfortable 99-0 victory.
Despite missing three props and several backs due to injury, plus only two or three to unavailability, the Ladies still managed to have a squad of over 20 players for the game.
The only time the crowd seemed unhappy was at the the final whistle which signalled the end of the entertainment and disappointment on not reaching the magical 100 scoreline. That is not to undermine the opposition who were brilliant in their endeavour, willingness and sportsmanship.
North list of impressive scorers were -
Molly Saggers (3)
Ellie Readman (2)
Libby Houston (2)
Sophie Bedford (2)
Lucy Patey (2)
Amy Parker (2)
Lottie Jones 1
Lucy Robinson 1
With Readman impressively adding 11 conversions and Sophie Bedford adding one in front of her grandmother who was watching her for the first time.
Norths player of the match was awarded to Lottie Jones, while Molly Snaggers was the oppositions choice.
Next week Northallerton Ladies travel up the road to play Durham City Dragons.