BOTH Northallerton's first and second teams travelled away to Ripon in desperate need of a win to boost morale and confidence.

Only the seconds returned with a win of 17-33, while the first team fell to another defeat by a score of 32-28.

North's first team game was an even affair for long periods of the first half with North taking their point scoring opportunities more efficiently. After 40 minutes North led 6-16 thanks to a try from Jack Tart, conversion by Jed Bainbridge and three penalties from Bainbridge, while Ripon converted two out of four possible penalties. However, after nearly nine minutes of added time at the end of the first half, Ripon broke down field to score a converted try to send the teams in 13-16 at half time.

The second half again was a cagey affair but this time it was Ripon who were edging proceedings with their better organisation and game plan.

Ripon took the lead with a converted try ten minutes into the second half, but North came back soon after when a excellent break by Charlie Birkett was finished off by Matthew Marsay. Bainbridge’s conversion hit the upright but still gave North a point advantage.

After 70 minutes, and with the daylight fading rapidly, North fell into disarray and conceded two tries, with only one converted, for Ripon to go into a unassailable 32-21 lead.

With an extra five minutes being added on again, North managed to gain a bonus point losing try by Birkett, Bainbridge again adding the conversion.

North's man of the match was a close contest between Birkett and Bainbridge with Birkett just edging the vote.

North next week entertain Wheatley Hill at home with a 2.15pm kick off.

Northallerton second team had to thank Thirsk RUFC for coming to their aid when they found themselves a few players short for the fixture at Ripon.

After more than 50 phone calls to North players from coach Paul Dixon, North were close to cancelling the game. Thankfully Dixon managed to convince five Thirskonians to help fulfil the fixture and produce a entertaining game.

North's tries came from Dave Baker (two), Connor Richmond, Kris Morrison and Sandy Gray. Ross Wilkinson from Thirsk added four conversions. Man of the match was Dave Baker, who may be pushing for a first team recall in his advancing years.

Next week North seconds are awaiting fixture confirmation, which could be Knaresborough at home in the cup.