The beginning of the season has come and gone again and the family rugby day was a success, even with the British summer doing its best to get everyone wet.

First a big thank you to Josh from Sale Sharks and Ripley Rhinos. I would also like to thank everyone who turned up or contributed in some way to making the day great fun for everyone.

I will get the photos of the day up as soon as possible.

Result: Win
Final Score: Hope Valley 10 – Ripley Rhinos 8
Tries:

  • Penalty Try – 1

Conversions:

  • Rick Spencer – 1

Penalties:

  • Rick Spencer – 1

Match Report by Rick Spencer

Valley played host to a visiting Rhinos side as a warm up game to the start of the season, this was a normal day in the British summer (wet) but with the smell of BBQ and the sound of music in the background.

The game kicked off with Valley defending the wind and the slant of the pitch, from the first kick off Valley showed there intensions with Martin Spencer ripping the ball from the opposition and gaining 20 yards with a gentle of load to Mike Mattia who was stopped 5 metres out. Valley recycled the ball very well only for the Ripley players to encroach off side unseen by the ref and the ball was cleared.

With Ripley’s line out working well Valley decided to mix it up a little with a short line out a good platform was set and the home side launched another attack, the ball was passed out down the line again Valley got the ball back and again Ripley came off side but this time the ref picked up on it, Valleys first attempt at points for the season was converted by Richard Spencer.

Ripley needed to try and get back into the run of things and after the kick off a mistake by Valley led to some quick hands in the backs form Rhino’s, but the home team defence was second to none with some excellent tackling from Mike Mattia , Tom Hodgson & Josh Berry turned the ball and the clearing kick was made.

Again Ripley tried to attack the line with a ruck in Valley’s 22 which the home side was court by the ref for going over the ruck and the Rhino’s had chance to equalise just before the break.

After a team talk from Andy Woodall the new captain Valley was ready to start the second half, Valley seemed to be on top of things when a pass went a stray and Rhino’s kicked the clearance deep into Valley’s 22, they won the lineout and some good movement in the backs lead to the first try of the game which they failed to convert.

Valley kicked off with a purpose they didn’t want to lose there opening game, Rhino’s cleared for a Valley lineout which the visitors knock on, Valley’s scrum was solid and Tom Hodgson broke from the scrum to gain a good 20 yards Valley again recycled the ball and quick ball had the Rhino’s of guard, the ball found it’s way to Mike Mattia who crashed through the Rhino’s line of defence to go over the line, the ref also spotted a high tackle and awarded a penalty try.

Valley needed to convert to lead which Spencer was again successful.

Valley’s play for the rest of the half was excellent with some switch passing in the centres from Mattia and Berry nearly creating another try and a delicate chip from the scrum half for Matt Shaw to chase, all in all a good start to the season with a WIN