This week we are delighted to welcome Knottingley to the City of Ripon and look forward to better conditions then when we met for the first time last season. The conditions were so dreadful that in the mud the players could not recognise each other never mind the opposition! Knottingley have had a mixed start, winning their home games and losing away from home and this afternoon's game is tipped to be a close and intriguing encounter.

The fortunes of Ripon First XV continue to ebb and flow. A bewildering game at Keighley demonstrates the best and worst of where we are on the start of our three year plan. A destructive first half for us with Keighley leading 43-5 created a difficult task. This was contrasted with a courageous and at times breathtaking comeback, that led to us to having 38 points on the board, away from home and still losing the game. We remain positive and the Club supports the players and coaches as they continue to come together as a new squad, in a tough league.

On a lighter note I understand the fines-master Barker has got longer arms as a result of a booming business in offending and his ammunition box of cash now requires extra staff to assist!

There is no game for the Hornblowers Second XV this weekend and after a good win over Keighley in a tight game the squad are starting to gel together. A strong Wakeman team visit York Fourth XV today and take their unbeaten record into another test.(match now cancelled by opposition)

It is important for all of us to support the Club whenever or however we can. There are a number of events taking place at the Club in the coming months and please support them. For us to develop we need to continue to improve our revenue and at the same time enjoy the Club.
I wish to thank the members of Friends Of Ripon Rugby Club (FORRC). The FORRCers cannot do it on their own, please watch the website and keep an eye out for posters and come along to the events!

I hope everyone enjoys the rugby this afternoon and I would like to say a special thank you to our sponsors ............ your support is greatly appreciated.