This was followed by an Under 11's match versus Northern's Under 11, a celebration of Ripon's long established links with rugby in the North East. At the same time Ripon's most successful team of the year, its Under 17s, were taking on Ilkley Under 17s in an important Yorkshire Cup quarter final which provided the right result for the day with Ripon emphatically progressing to the semi finals where local rivals Harrogate await.


Rippon RUFC Under 11's.

By this time Ripon 'Past' was congregating in the bar area with representatives from all eras and age groups in particular members of the 1977 Yorkshire Shield winning squad as well as the Ralph Frankland's Centenary squad. Jazz was provided by Mad Dog and the Sophisticates and perhaps for the only time in the month of April the sun came out and blessed the occasion with warmth, good cheer, and large quantities of Theakstons. A rolling carvery luncheon was provided by Ripon's caterers 'Lockwoods on Location' in the sponsored Theakstons Marquee before the main event at 3pm.

The match against Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassins was billed as Ripon Past and Present versus a team of Northern Legends. England and British Lion legend Peter Squires together with Simon Theakston, Managing Director of T&R Theakstons organised the coin toss with AAs Paul Stewart and Ripon Club Captain Matt Box. Spoon AAs had a strong selection of County and North of England players - all admittedly in the Autumn of their careers(!) and they produced an outstanding display of controlled yet powerful rugby to overcome a huge Ripon squad - some perhaps in the winter of their careers - by 46 points to 12. The match was played in a competitive and excellent spirit by all concerned and refereed well by Ripon's own Chris Sharpe.

Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassins - the past but powerful!

Club President (and stalwart) Andy Proud was determined from the outset to involve the community and to support Yorkshire Wooden Spoon with whom the club have enjoyed a longstanding relationship through their Sporting Luncheon, Golf Days and other events. Through Programme sales, a raffle (prominently supported by the Wakefield Wildcat Wooden Spoon girls) and the generous sponsorship of T&R Theakstons and Ripon Select Foods, the club were able to present Yorkshire Spoon with a cheque for £1135 which will be spent directly on future capital projects for disadvantaged children in the Yorkshire area.


Andy Proud on the right gives last minute instructions to the Wildcat Dolls

All in all an extraordinarily happy celebration of all that is good about the game of rugby union and, in particular, a thriving amateur rugby club like Ripon - and all in a very good cause. Our thanks go out to our main and programme sponsors, our excellent caterers, and in particular to Wooden Spoon Anti- Assassins. Here's to the next time!