Outnumbered but not outfought

A Morley side short on numbers have to do it the hard way.

Ripon U16s are probably amongst the top 2 or 3 sides in the county and fully deserved today's victory. Whether the scoreline is an accurate reflection of the game is a different matter.

Morley have picked up a number of injuries in recent weeks and were down to the last 16 players - and then proceeded to lose 2 more during the game! In contrast, Ripon had the luxury of bringing a talented 23 man squad which allowed them to change half the side at half time.

Morley were well in the game at half time trailing 10-5 and, frustratingly, had gift wrapped both of Ripon's tries with basic errors on their own goal line.

As the second half progressed Ripon were able to take advantage of a tiring and injury hit Morley side to extend the lead, with their powerful centres and excellent No 8 leading the way. Whilst Morley can definitely play better than they did today, the lads never gave in and they can be proud of their efforts. Thanks to Ripon for lending us a player so that we could keep the game at 15 a side.

Fortunately, none of the injuries are too serious and we should be at full strength in early November - which will be a first for this squad! Until then, we'll just have to keep battling on.

UTM!