DMPRFC 65 v CAMBRIDGE RFC 32
DMPRFC blow away the summer break cobwebs in this pre-season friendly at the Northern Echo Arena, scoring 13 tries in the process.
Match report attached.
The first pre-season match of the new campaign saw Cambridge RFC visit the Northern Echo Arena for the first time.
With former All Black Craig Newby amongst the back room staff, Cambridge RFC looked a sleek outfit, with some big forwards and streamline backs.
As we all know ‘friendly’ games are never that in the game of rugby and this one was no exception, with both sets of player’s hammering away at their opposite numbers.
The game had been agreed as x4 half hour periods of play, with a full team of three officiating.
The fixture gave both sets of coaches the opportunity to try out the newcomers in their respective squads and from that perspective, both clubs will have been satisfied with their performances overall.
Some senior DMPRFC players were nursing niggling injuries and although present, did not participate, in anticipation of being fit for the start of the league programme.
Those who did take part all did so whole-heartedly in the hope that the coaches will recognise their contributions and reward them come that first home game, when Blaydon RFC will be the visitors.
Period 1
Cambridge RFC started the brighter and managed to rack up two tries early, as DMPRFC unusually took some time to settle. Although conversions were dispensed with after the first try, the Cambridge touch line drop goal conversion was definitely worth a mention. DMPRFC responded prior to the break after half an hour of play (5 – 12).
Period 2
An early injury to a Cambridge RFC player halted proceedings for 20 minutes whilst the necessary process of stabilising his condition was carried out by physios and medical staff in attendance. The player was transported by ambulance to Darlington Memorial Hospital with a neck injury and all at DMPRFC hope that he makes a full recovery.
When rugby was resumed, a very competitive half hour ensued, with both teams trying to play the open game.
Cambridge RFC scored first, DMPRFC responded and when the dust settled, three more tries had been conjured by DMPRFC, to another from the visitors (25 – 22).
Period 3
After a decent break, where coaches galvanised their resources, the third period again saw more tries from both sides, but a certain tiredness was creeping into the visitors defence, allowing DMPRFC to capitalise, scoring another 4 tries, with only 2 in response (40 – 32).
Period 4
The final period was dominated by the home side, scoring another 5 tries without reply, as both backs and forwards combined well in an open display of quality handling (65 – 32).
An excellent afternoon of rugby, watched by a decent crowd, who were thoroughly entertained in the process.