With no hooker it was a grand sight to see foggy wander in 20 minutes before kick off in his usual casual way to complete the needed front three and Josh playing his first game in 4 years helped by chucking in. It was also grand to see Martin Mitchell back from a long injury and looking in great form.

Ripon started well and the Bees were put under pressure in the first 10 minutes by Ripons big set of forwards. Sensible rugby prevailed and the Bees simply kicked Ripon back to their 22m at every opportunity for their forwards to start all over again. The plan worked except for Greavsey thowing out a loose pass which Ripon picked off to run in the first points. 0:5.

Ripon continued to bash away but their 30m pushes became 20m and then 10m as Bees mannned up and met their big lads head on. The match turned with a superb break from 35m by a rapid full back Nick Gore to burst through and touch down under the posts 7:5.

Surprisingly Bees were soon dominating the scrums against the big Ripon pack and play was now only going one way. Young Jack got the second try as he picked an unstoppable line to run off Dico's shoulder. 14:5

McCumiskey bullied the next try and with James and Jack adding second their tries to those scored by Ryan Wilson, Corey, and two from Goughy the points were racked up at a steady pace. Dico kicked 7 from 9 to make the Bees score 59.

Fantastic to see so many happy smiles to start our 2014 rugby. With a number of players due back in the next two weeks, they will have make a good case to replace this team!