DMPRFC 14 v Ealing Trailfinders 21

League leaders Ealing Trailfinders arrived for their first ever game against Darlington Mowden Park RFC unbeaten in 9 games, with 8 try bonus points.

When they left the Northern Echo Arena, although still unbeaten, they certainly knew they had been in a tough game and could count themselves fortunate to be leaving with 4 points, as DMPRFC dominated the second half, shutting out the table toppers, who were perhaps lucky to escape with the win.

DMPRFC started the better in this encounter, exerting early pressure on the visitor's try line.

A great run into the heart of the Ealing defence marked winger Ben RATH's home debut in the starting line up and when Ealing were adjudged offside, the resulting Tom HODGSON missed penalty was scant reward for DMPRFC's early efforts.

Ealing Trailfinders absorbed this early pressure and against the run of play hit back after 9 minutes, when their player coach kicked a cross-field ball to their prolific try scoring winger, who beat a sprawling home defender to score in the corner (0 - 5). The conversion from the provider was well struck from wide out (0 - 7).

Ealing have some solid citizens in their pack, but the DMPRFC eight competed well at every phase, although the visitor's did have the early edge in the scrum.

After a further 5 minutes of play, Ealing were gifted a try, when the home side fluffed a lineout, allowing the burly Ealing No.8 to crash over under the posts for another try (0 - 12). This time the conversion was easier (0 - 14).

DMPRFC hit back, when a penalty was kicked into touch deep into Ealing territory. From the resulting catch and drive, the ruck split and home lock Rob CONQUEST barged over (5 - 14). Fly half Tom HODGSON added the extras with a good kick from wide out (7 - 14).

As the game entered the final 10 minutes prior to the break for oranges, Ealing were very fortunate to be awarded a penalty try at scrum time. The official deciding that the home front row had collapsed preventing an Ealing push over. However much disputed, the referee being the sole arbiter, awarded the penalty try under the posts (7 - 19), Again the conversion was easy (7 - 21).

So as the interval arrived, the scoreboard showed a decent haul for the visitors, but the reality was a much closer affair.

DMPRFC again started the brighter, but this time there was more effort, more focus and more intensity in their play.

Although Ealing did have some possession early on in the second half, any danger was snuffed out by a more determined defence and as time went on, the Ealing scrum tired, giving the DMPRFC forwards ascendency in this facet of the game.

DMPRFC pressured the Ealing defence, who initially appeared to hold firm, but from a scrum five metres out, DMPRFC scrum half Zylon McGAFFIN burrowed over for a try (12 - 21). Tom HODGSON was successful with the conversion (14 - 21).

Roared on by a decent crowd, DMPRFC took the game to the league leaders, who constantly and very professionally slowed the game down at every opportunity, using every trick in the 'we're knackered and need to slow the game down' book and were allowed to do so.

As the last minutes of the game approached, DMPRFC threw everything into attack, spurning several opportunities to take penalties, as the Ealing gas tank emptied and they went for more tries.

As an Ealing player kicked the ball out to signal time over, their relief was tangible and a disappointed DMPRFC had to settle for a losing point, which was a lot less than their performance deserved.

Supporters Raffle : Winning Ticket was Pink 486-490

Next Home Fixture : Mowden v Blackheath
Saturday 22nd November : KO 3pm : Northern Echo Arena