A well deserved '5-league point' victory over Cambridge RFC at their Volac Park HQ, ensured that the recent run of decent form continued, with DMPRFC unbeaten in the last 4 games.

As it transpired, the expected poor weather didn't materialise and although when the game kicked off it was bitterly cold, the pitch was in good order, with a reasonable crowd in attendance, supplemented by a great deal of support from DMPRFC's loyal band of followers making the long trip.

Cambridge RFC had previously enjoyed a good return at home and they began the game in confident mood scoring a try in the first 5 minutes, wing Matt Hema tackled well by his opposite number Adam RADWAN, but Hema had enough impetus to stretch over the line for the score in the corner (5 - 0).

Home kicker and top scorer Jack Green missed the afters and in general didn't have the best of days 'at the crease', eventually failing to convert three of home sides four tries, the other missed by replacement back Daniel Lewis, Green's replacement from the bench.

Cambridge were unfortunate to lose No. 8 Tom Nuttley after a collision in which he sustained a head injury, removing him from the field for the rest of the game, Matthew Meek coming on earlier than expected.

A scrum by the home side, some 25 metres out, allowed the normally assured Josh BRAGMAN to step up and reduce the deficit, however, he too was having his own problems with place kicking, as he likewise missed the target.

By this time the visitors enjoyed some possession and a minute later, after some deft offloading in the tackle by forwards and backs alike, Josh BRAGMAN measured a little chip over the advancing defence 10 metres out, allowing speedy winger Jamie BARNARD the opportunity to race his opposite number for the touchdown, which he won, touching down with aplomb to level the scores (5 - 5).

BRAGMAN made amends for his previous kick, slotting the afters with confidence and edging the visitors into the lead. (5 - 7)

Back came Cambridge and after failing to ground the ball to the liking of Cornish referee Veryan Boscowan, who deemed it held up, this was only brief respite for the visitors, as Hema powered over for his brace from the resulting 5-metre scrum, again with Adam RADWAN in close, but unsuccessful attendance. (10 - 7)

Again the usually reliable Green missed the afters.

The game appeared to be slipping from the grasp of the visitors, when DMPRFC skipper Chris AULD misfielded a speculative, but innocuous punt up field, paving the way for the advancing home centre Jack Portsmouth, who gathered and scored easily. (15 - 7)

Returning back to fitness after injury. DMPRFC's talisman flanker Simon UZOKWE had bulldozed all those who sought to stop his progress and it was he who broke through the centre of a ruck to touch down unopposed from 10 metres, to catapult the visitors back into contention. (15 - 12)

As oranges approached, DMPRFC should have had a better return for some sustained pressure on the home line, but had to settle for a penalty when Cambridge held on in the tackle 25 metres out, which unfortunately BRAGMAN missed and the officials whistle brought the interval.

The talking point at the interval was all about the failure of the normally reliable kickers from both sides to produce the goods, with the home side kicker edging the most negative interest.

However, half time gave each team and their respective supporters to reflect and assess the first 40-minutes and ultimately the collective decision arrived at by all, was that the game was there for the taking by either side.

If the first half was shaded by Cambridge, then DMPRFC cemented the second half with a mature display of game control.

From the kick off, DMPRFC looked more purposeful than their hosts, taking the game by 'the scruff of the neck', scoring within 2 minutes of the re-start via BRAGMAN. The try was instigated by UZOKWE after good work from lock Jack PAYNE, allowing BRAGMAN the opportunity to dart over the line for the score. (15 - 17)

Again BRAGMAN missed the conversion from a normally kickable angle taking into account his exacting standards.

A period of stalemate ensued, which lasted a full quarter, as both sides searched for a breakthrough, which came courtesy of a penalty kick from BRAGMAN, after Cambridge infringed in midfield. (15 - 20)

An inspirational moment followed from young Mowden lock Joe CRAGGS ultimately sealing the win for the visitors.

It was CRAGGS who took the home sides lineout on halfway, sparking an attack up the short side, involving visiting No. 8 Matt HEATON, who capped a fine game by delivering the final pass to CRAGGS who, although tackled firmly by the last home defender, managed to stretch his frame over and across the line for the score. (15 - 25)

The conversion was again missed, but crucially DMPRFC were now at least two scores ahead of their hosts as the game entered the final five minutes.

Credit to Cambridge who when looking down the barrel of a nil point return, fought back to score a last minute unconverted try via full back George Furbank to realise a perhaps deserved 2-league points return for their efforts in an entertaining game.