MOWDEN 21 v HARTPURY 28

This fixture is the first of two back to back home fixtures for the 1st XV. The following Saturday (25th October) we welcome Fylde to the Arena, a fixture that is being dedicated to the ladies of the Mowden family with the inaugural Mowden Ladies Day. Open to members and non members, we are offering a Ladies only pre match hospitality, click on the link below for full details.

Score: Mowden 21 - Hartpury College 28
Player of the Match: Callum Mackenzie
Match report:

Another frustrating performance from DMPRFC, to rank alongside the Blaydon, Richmond and Esher games, where more should be have been taken from the game considering the amount of possession.

Hartpury College RFC were not a bad side at all, being very competitive at the breakdown and although for the majority of the game, second best at the set pieces, they were clinical in attack.

They scored four tries from only half a dozen visits passed the home 22-metre line.

Like the games previously mentioned, DMPRFC had plenty of possession, but again were not as clinica as the opposition in the damage area as their opponents.

A very flat first half from the home side was instrumental in them being behind at oranges, even though they scored the opening try via full back Henry ROBINSON, who squeezed into the corner after only 3 minutes on the clock (5 - 0). Garry LAW converting (7 - 0).

A rangey Hartpury lock replied after another 6 minutes had elapsed, when a gaping defence opened further, allowing him to gallop in under the posts (7 - 5). The conversion was easy (7 - 7).

DMPRFC dominated possession, but could not turn that into points in frequent visits to the red zone.

A mistake in another home attack allowed some respite for Hartpury, but this turned into a half time lead for the visitors, as the caught and drove a lineout some way into the DMPRFC half and rumbled on for a try, which again was converted (7 - 14).

With frustration experienced both on and off the field from a decent home crowd, again the next score was thought to be crucial.

Again Henry ROBINSON came to the rescue of the home side after 14 minutes of play, scoring his brace with the first points after oranges, with a good try near the posts after good interplay between forwards and backs (12 - 14), Garry LAW converting easily to level (14 - 14).

DMPRFC and the crowd sensed the game turning their way, but just when this appeared to be the case, against the run of play, Hartpury snatched possession and exploited short numbers in the home defence for the score (14 - 19). The conversion was good from wide out (14 - 21).

Not to be outdone, DMPRFC upped the pace of their attack and when a penalty was awarded, kicked to the corner. From the resulting catch and drive, DMPRFC lock Rob CONQUEST barged over (19 - 21), The conversion was excellent from Garry LAW from wide out.

Although a rare draw seemed on the cards, it looked as if DMPRFC would finally kick on and take this game as they went for it, but Hartputy defended stoutly and when the opportunity presented itself from some fool hardy defence, Harptury silenced the crowd with a try through the middle and under the posts in the last minute (21 - 28).

No need to panic, but with only a losing bonus point from this home game and form team Fylde RFC waiting in the wings this coming weekend, some hard talking will be on this weeks agenda.

Raffle ticket winner: Blue 426-430 (Ken Tate). Please contact reception to claim your prize info@mowdenpark.com

Ladies Day Details