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DMPRFC  59  v  HULL IONIANS RFC  12

DMPRFC 59 v HULL IONIANS RFC 12

Kevin Robinson30 Aug 2014 - 21:02
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Last pre-season game, sees DMPRFC eventually run out comfortable winners against Hull Ionians RFC, scoring 9 tries. Match report attached.

A tough afternoon was anticipated by hosts Darlington Mowden Park RFC as Hull Ionians RFC visited the Northern Echo Arena for the final pre-season game.

Previous encounters between the two clubs in recent seasons have normally been close affairs, but on this occasion, it was not to be the case as after initial resistance, the visitors proved no match for a team that have replaced them in National League One and DMPRFC ran out comfortable winners in the end.

The first half proved a very competitive contest, with the Hull Ionians forwards laying siege to the home line for a 15 minute period, following a try a piece.

It was the home side who registered first, retaining possession from the kick-off and with the visitors having barely touched the ball, good progress was made by the forwards, culminating in a burst by hooker Charlie MADDISON, who deftly slipped the ball in the tackle to flanker Jack ALLCOCK, who powered in under the posts (5 – 0). Fly half Gary LAW adding the extras (7 – 0).

Hull Ionians responded after that period of forward pressure on the home line. A series of powerful catch and drives was thwarted by equally powerful defence, but eventually a visiting prop burrowed over from close range, just as it was thought the pressure had been subdued (7 – 5). The conversion was good from wide out (7 – 7).

As the game opened up, the visitors were adjudged offside on the half way and a pin point touch finder saw Gary LAW edge his forwards to within 5-metres of the visitor’s line. A deft palm saw lock Rob CONQUEST win the resulting lineout and when the ball was set up, the same player crashed over for his first try for DMPRFC (12 – 7). Again the conversion was successful from Gary LAW (14 – 7).

Hull Ionians again responded, applying further pressure and just when a repeat of their first score appeared to be forthcoming, the ball was whisked out wide to the opposite wing, where uncharacteristically DMPRFC were found short of numbers and an overlap produced a try (14 – 12). The touch line conversion was missed and that would be the closest score line the visitors would be to an ever improving DMPRFC.

Home lock George HEDGELY mirrored his second row partners efforts, with a try of his own, after good work from the forward pack (19 – 12). The try again converted by Gary LAW (21 – 12).

As the break for oranges approached, from the re-start, replacement centre Callum MACKENZIE made good progress to the halfway with a hallmark bustling effort, offloading in the tackle to full back Joe NELLANY, who brilliantly snapped up the ball off his boots, racing in unopposed (26 – 12). Again Gary LAW made no mistake from the touch line, increasing DMPRFC‘s lead at the interval (28 – 12).

After oranges both teams introduced replacements, but the quality of the visitor’s bench did not match that of their DMPRFC counterparts, as another five tries were scored by the hosts without reply.

The first from winger Tom KILL, who’s strong surging effort accounted for several defenders before crossing the whitewash in the left corner (33 – 12). This time, with Gary LAW having been replaced, the conversion was narrowly wide from Tom HODGSON.

Tom KILL was replaced by veteran wing Mike WOOD, who with his first touch of the ball, scorched down the same left wing, showing that he had not lost his magical powers, as he also scorched over the line (38 - 12). Tom HODGSON converting from wide out ( 40 – 12).

Hull Ionians RFC were not in the game at this stage, as DMPRFC exerted their will on the game and began to pull away.

Powerful replacement centre Craig DOMIONIC scored a welcome individual effort from the half way line, bursting clear to score under the posts, as the game entered the final quarter (45 – 12). The conversion was good from Tom HODGSON (47 – 12).

Livewire replacement scrum half Adam NIXON, deservedly added a try of his own from short range, after good work from his forwards (52 – 12).

The best try of the game was yet to come and just before the final whistle, a sublime inter-passing at pace from the home backs eventually found replacement full back Henry ROBINSON, who ran in from the left touch line and round under the posts (57 – 12). The final kick of the game was Tom HODGSON’s conversion (59 – 12) to seal a comprehensive home win for DMPRFC.

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