THEY’VE put the division’s top dogs to the sword and now Ripon first team manager Jim Buckley is hoping they’ll do the same to Leodiensians if tomorrow’s proposed clash gets the green light (away 2.15pm ko).

Ripon’s groundstaff worked a minor miracle to clear their pitch of snow on Friday and Saturday morning and get their game against current leaders North Rib’ played.

Andy Brown’s side duly returned the favour by picking up a crucial 9-3 win at a mud-soaked Mallorie Park.

It was only one of three games to survive the weather with Hullensians beating Huddersfield 8-0 and Hessle securing a surprise 24-7 triumph over Barnsley.

The victory also made it eight straight victories for Ripon at their home fortress this season. Their 100 per cent record at Mallorie Park secured by a superb all-round display according to Buckley.

“It was just magnificent,” he said.

“Everybody played their part. We were strong in the forwards, when we played North Rib’ this season they bullied us but we wouldn’t let that happen.

“We were also strong in the backs too. I said to the players after the game to come out and play like that after a long break was credit to them and to the coaching staff. Al Norrie and Andy Brown have done a wonderful job keeping the lads fit.

“A lot of credit has to go to the groundstaff and everyone who worked behind the scenes to get the game on. Everyone chipped in to clear the lines on Friday and before kick-off.

“Without that help we wouldn’t have got the game on. Ripon relies on helpers and volunteers who don’t get paid, from people in the shop, people who work in the kitchen and the bar. They deserve a lot of credit too.”

Buckley knows Leos’ will be a tough nut to crack.

Ripon haven’t had a particularly good experience of playing their Leeds opponents in the past according to Buckley and that’s something he wants to turnaround.

“When I was playing they were always a bit of a bogey side,” he added.

“But we know we’ve got to back up our home form away from home now. We’ve got a 100 per cent record at home, we’ve won eight out of eight but if we want to be up there at the end of the season we’ve got to win away too.

“We won our last away game against Moortown so we’ll be looking to do the same.”

Ripon teams:

1sts v Leodiensians, away, meet 12: Bell, Drane, Denver, Butterill, Groundwater, Audsley-Beck, Lyons, Brown, Fletcher, Dodds, Wolloms, Newcombe, Fotherby, S Coyne, J Potter, Box, G Nicholson, Scott-Paul

Water management:Applications closed. Decision PENDING.

2nds v Leos, home, kick-off 2.15pm: Steino, Sykes, S Nicholson, Shepherd, McAra, Montgomery, Whitaker, Tully, Sadler, Gaunt, Lamb, Curtis, Ellis, White, Carr, Garrett, Whiter, Williamson, Roks.

3rd v Leos, away, meet 1pm: Rees, Campbell, Plant, JP Coyne, Whall, Rivers, Houseman, Roome, Turner, Park, Howard, Harrison, Makewell, Pickles, Kettlewell, Goldsmith, Tyreman, Seddon, Harrison, Aylward, Brewster, Jones, Metcalfe.