It's fair to say that when you lose the first three games of the season, you start to get a little bit nervous. Couple this with your first choice fly-half Harry Kaye going down with a potentially terminal illness, and you really start to worry. Harry did read his tour brochure though, and provided some interesting discussion on the historic city of Ripon. Wetherby travelled to Ripon for one of the tougher away games of the season, hoping to kickstart their season into action.

Wetherby made a fantastic start and put pressure on Ripon, forcing an early scrum but came unstuck when Sean Lally lost his footing despite being on top. This came as no surprise to those of us who had seen the studs on his boots that had worn away as badly as Danny Warden's savings. This was compounded by two other quick penalties and Wetherby soon found themselves facing a kick at goal, guilty of being over-eager in the first five minutes. 3-0.

Wetherby found themselves under the pump again, but in a whistle happy first ten minutes, both sides traded penalties. Alex Dus returned from his 'supersize me' style America trip and was controlling the attacking play well with some composed passing. Despite his best game in years, he didn't even come out and give us the play-by-play account all evening. Who are you, and what have you done with Dussy? 6-3.

As the half wore on, the Wetherby forwards grew into the game. Harry Freeman marked his debut with a fine carrying performance, stopping only to check his book of rugby cliches to find the most appropriate one for any given scenario. Steve Hoather also came close to the line with a strong carry, but got tangled up in his scummy moustache. Fortunately Wetherby won a penalty and the scores were level. 6-6.

Andy Gair's red and white army looked more and more composed as the first half went on. In defence, second rows Tom Bottomley and Danny Warden were outstanding. When Wetherby got ball in hand, Rob Adair and George Gilbert proved a handful, breaking through the defence like there was a hot tub party on the other side. Their endeavours won two more penalties for the visitors. 6-12.

As Wetherby controlled the game towards half-time, all looked to be going well. Ripon had a line-out on their own five metre line but caught their visitors napping. Some good running from their backs, and support from their loose forwards took them the length of the field. Despite a brilliant covering tackle from Andrew Trotman, a good offload left Ripon destined to score. Cue the flying meatball. George Gilbert threw his almighty head into the last man and put him into touch two metres from the line. Outstanding bit of defence!

Half-time: Ripon 6-12 Wetherby

Despite a strong showing in the latter stages of the first half, Wetherby started the second half dreadfully. Ripon broke through tackles easily and eventually forced their way over the Wetherby line with very little resistance. Fortunately Jack Kaye was present to give his 'positive' observations from the wing. 13-12.

Wetherby needed an injection of energy, and Rhys Thomson brought exactly that from the bench. His work at the breakdown won a turnover, which was shipped wide quickly. Tom Bottomley found himself in his old stomping ground on the wing and created a perfect two on one. Great timing on his pass put in Jack Kaye for his first try of the season. Maybe that will cheer the miserable cretin up. 13-17.

After the past three weeks of being unable to close out the game, there was clearly tension despite Wetherby having more control in the game. Jonny Day set the tempo brilliantly from scrum half, slinking around like he was breaking into someone's garden. He worked his forwards hard and Sean Lally and Bradley Mason both made good yards, on top of their strong scrum showing.

Even though Wetherby were defending tremendously, Ripon were wasteful in possession. After spilling yet another good opportunity Chris Atkinson kicked the ball through for what looked to be a certain try. Unfortunately he was out-stripped by a second row and couldn't get the ball dotted down, though there was a hint of suspicion he was being held back.

The pressure kept coming from Wetherby as Ripon struggled to exit their own half. Steve Hoather was set away first down the right flank and got try-line fever to butcher a two on one, before being set free down the left two minutes later and again being stopped just short. Just more ammo for the intervention that happened on Sunday after walking home in pants and trainers, clothes in a carrier bag.

As the game whittled down into the final moments, Ripon had a line-out on their own five metre line. James Gibson reacted quickest to steal the line-out and power over the line to put a little bit of gloss on a hard-fought victory. Gibbo's almighty roar rang through Ripon like the chimes of the cathedral.

Full-time: Ripon 13-24 Wetherby

A hard fought victory, but much needed. You know it's going to be a good night when you're lighting fireworks whilst half-cut before 8pm.

MoM: Myles Oates - Strong all round performance, especially on the dance floor!
DoD: Jack Kaye - Somebody remember to pack him his dummy next week!