BLAYDON RFC 33 v DMPRFC 6

Not the finish to the season that DMPRFC had hoped, but to fair to Blaydon RFC, after a fairly even first half, the Crow Trees outfit deserved their win, dominating after oranges and securing bragging rights at least until the end of next season.

Blaydon RFC dominated the set pieces and secured plenty of ‘go forward’ ball, scoring 5 tries to nil for the visitors, who had to be satisfied with two solitary penalties from centre Garry LAW.

The anticipated hard fought and abrasive contest materialised early on and although 4 yellow cards were issue by the official in attendance, 2 for either side, the game was hard but not a dirty contest.

Some rain had fallen prior to the match and with the surface of the pitch somewhat greasy, it wasn’t surprising that several players slipped early on, as they got accustomed to the conditions.

With only 2 minutes on the clock, the first yellow cards arrived, as both Blaydon’s Durham County lock and DMPRFC’s hooker Charlie MADDISON locked horns. However, in the ensuing melee, the man with the whistle sought to establish a no nonsense start and carded both for their troubles.

The game seemed to settle, as both defence tested each other in order to capitalise on any perceived weaknesses.

It was DMPRFC who struck the first blow, with a well struck penalty, as the home side were caught offside (0 – 3).

As the game entered the second quarter, Blaydon RFC were awarded a penalty, but chose to kick to touch and employ their usual catch and drive routine. Initially repelled by a strong visiting defence, the maul continued and inevitably ended with a score from their industrious open side flanker, who touched down near the posts (5 – 3). The easy conversion was missed.

Blaydon RFC again transgressed in the tackle area within kickable penalty range for Garry LAW and he obliged with aplomb (5 – 6).

With three minutes remaining before oranges and as DMPRFC expected a similar test of their lineout defence when Blaydon kicked a penalty in to touch, the catch and drive did not materialise.

Instead, a well-executed front of the line peel, allowed their hooker to waltz in unopposed for their second try (10 – 6). This time the extras were successful (12 – 6).

With the long trudge to the changing rooms heralding the break, the game was finely poised and more of the same was expected by the healthy crowd, bolstered by a lot of travelling support.

However, what followed, was a display of physicality from Blaydon RFC that DMPRFC did not match.

Blaydon established superiority early on in the second half, with another try from the same flanker, which was converted (19 – 6) and from that point on they never looked back.

Another flare up as the referee seemed to have lost control somewhat, saw DMPRFC prop Gareth NESBITT and Blaydon RFC No.6 binned for some on the floor tussling, but the game settled down after that.

Despite a heroic performance from DMPRFC’s fit again lock Talite VAIOLETI, with some barnstorming runs and big hits which some of the victims will not forget in a hurry. There was plenty of industry from scrum half Sam STUART, coupled with a fine debut from England U18 Joe CRAGGS, but Blaydon RFC dominated the second half scoring 2 further tries, two of which were converted, to leave the home side to savour the win over their closest rivals (33 – 6).

Regardless of the last two games, the season in general has been a huge success, with consolidation in the league the aim of the season and the outcome of the season a 9th place finish.

DMPRFC now know what is expected in National One and with preparations already under way with renewed contracts and further additions to the squad, all augers well for Darlington Mowden Park RFC.