Yarnbury 27 Ripon 26

Yarnbury have been struggling for a settled side since the turn of the year but managed to reel off their third consecutive victory against a hard-working and committed Ripon side.

In a tense last 10 minutes the lead changed hands but Yarnbury managed to hold on for the victory which keeps their Yorkshire Two promotion challenge alive.

They had to reorganise again with stand-off Danny Pound missing so James White was drafted in at fly half and Josh Bell came into at centre.

Yarnbury had James Falgate back in the second row alongside stalwart Ian Maycock to give stability to the set pieces.

The changes seemed to disrupt Yarnbury at the start and went ahead when left winger Tom Leeming found enough space down the left wing to go in for the first score in the corner, Scrum ‘s conversion made it 7-0.

A flowing counter attack courtesy of a Jason Avison interception nearly led to a Yarnbury score but winger Graham Maycock was hauled down short before successive penalties near the Ripon line saw White crash over for a try which full back George Oldridge converted to level the scores.

Yarnbury’s play was ragged and they fell behind again when Whitaker kicked a penalty after hooker Chris Doyle was penalised.

Yarnbury turned round 10-7 down and took the initiative straight after the break. Joe Pinnick caused chaos in the defensive ranks with a high kick and wing forward Martin Rainey took advantage to score his side’s second try which Pinnick converted.

The lead was soon reduced when Yarnbury were caught offside and Whitaker landed the goal.

Pinnick responded with a penalty after Ripon were caught offside, but the visitors stunned the home side when they broke out of defence and their captain and second row looped round to the left to score an opportunist try. Whittaker’s conversion have Ripon a 20-17 lead.

The situation got worse when Yarnbury were again penalised for holding on in the tackle and Whitaker extended the Ripon lead with another penalty and with Ripon retaining possession well things looked bleak for the home side.

Yarnbury need a piece of inspiration and captain Jason Avison provided it. He cut in from the right and skipped. Pinnick’s conversion edged his side ahead.

There was still more drama to come. Pinnick was penalised and the boot of Whittaker put Ripon ahead.

The Yarnbury player redeemed himself when he made no mistake with a last-gasp penalty to give his side a slender win.

Pinnick was judged man of the match for a solid all round display but the pack defended well to give the platform for a much-needed win.