A very disappointing first half performance (0 – 20 down) left Darlington Mowden Park RFC a second half mountain to climb against newly promoted visitors Henley Hawks RFC, who were in no mood for a repeat last week’s heavy away defeat at Rosslyn Park RFC.

The home side were uncharacteristically lacklustre, as the visitors dominated all aspects of play, racking up 3 tries, which together with a conversion and a penalty, stunned DMPRFC and their wealth of supporters.

The first Henley try came after a period of pressure from a series of set scrums, from which No. 8 Robbie Stapley emerged, appearing to force the ball over in the corner. The grounding of the ball was questionable, as the player seemed to dot the ball down out of play. However, the referee was unsighted and referred to his assistant, who awarded the try (0 - 5).

With the scrum a total debacle all game and not consistently policed, the next points came from a penalty awarded against DMPRFC for an early push. Henley fly-half James Comben striking the ball through the uprights (0 – 8).

At this point, home lock Rob CONQUEST was sin-binned for an innocuous off the ball tackle and during his absence, Henley capitalised, scoring 2 tries, one of which was converted.

For the next Henley score, centre Jack Bradford unusually found himself amongst his forwards and on the end of a catch and drive lineout (0 – 13), the conversion completed by James Comben (0 – 15).

Henley completed their first half scoring with a rolling maul effort, again finished off well and awarding Robbie Stapley a well- earned brace (0 – 20).

As the home players trudged disconcertingly to the dressing room after a poor performance and an inevitable roasting from the coaches, there was a rare quietness around the Arena.

On the resumption after oranges, after an initial 15 minute period of stalemate, it was DMPRFC who scored first, scrum half Bruno BRAVO squeezing over in the corner (5 – 20). Fly half Garry LAW underlined his consistency with the boot, with an excellent touchline conversion (7 – 20).

Unfortunately, DMPRFC were again reduced in numbers in the forwards, when flanker Ali BONE was carded for foul play and again Henley took full advantage, with a try from hooker Thomas Emery (7 – 25), converted by James Comben (7 – 27).

By this time, both sides had introduced replacements and for DMPRFC, this had the desired effect, as replacement flanker Callum MACKENZIE scored a fine 50-metre individual try, as the game entered the last ten minutes (12 – 27).

At this point Henley were done and it was all DMPRFC, who piled on the pressure.

Henley never touched the ball at this stage, apart from a dubious penalty awarded against home hooker Simon UZOKWE, who was adjudged by the official as to have hung on to the ball in the tackle. James Comben obliging with the kick (12 – 30), which ultimately proved costly.

Somewhat aggrieved, Simon UZOKWE powered over for two late tries, both of which were converted by Garry LAW (28 – 30).
As the last try was converted the official blew for the end of the game.

So many congratulations to Henley Hawks RFC who register their first points and although DMPRFC added 2 league bonus boints to keep them in 5th place, they will hopefully banish the first half to history, improve upon their ill discipline and move on to the Rosslyn Park RFC fixture next weekend with renewed purpose.

Next up for Darlington Mowden Park RFC is Loughborough on the 17th October at the Northern Echo Arena. Tickets £10 adults and U16's Free.