Sheffield U16 v Ripon U16 Yorkshire Cup QF

Sheffield went to Ripon in the YC quarter final having lost to them earlier in the season albeit with a depleted side but determined to make amends.
On a clear dry day the scene was set for a great game and so it proved to be.
Ripon kicked off into the wind and Sheffield then spent most of the first half in Ripons half scoring 2 good tries but squandering clear chances for a couple more.
At 12-0 with a minute of the half to go Sheffield lost concentration and allowed Ripon to score and unconverted try with the last play of the half.
Ripon obviously fancied it playing with the wind in the second half and only a score down.
Sheffield soon found themselves defending and every tine they turned the ball over seemed to make a small error to hand it back to Ripon who were turning the ball over at the ruck regularly.
The boys defended unbelievably well for most of the half but inevitably the pressure told and Ripon scored an unconverted try with about 15 minutes to go.
Straight from the kick off small errors again put Sheffield under pressure in their own 22 and after a series of penalties Ripon scored to make it 15-12 with 5 minutes to go.
The boys again put themselves under pressure with silly penalties and literally with the last play of the game a little cross field kick bounced perfectly into the hands of our centre who managed to break the hold of the full back and sprint from Sheffield 10 metre line to score under the posts.
The game was refereed really well and played in a great spirit and all credit to the Ripon players and coaches who were extremely gracious in defeat having been mugged at the death.
A game definitely of two halves where the victory came from the intensity of the defense in the second half and one small piece of magic at the death and shows the importance of kicking conversions.
Thanks to Ripon for being great hosts.