The pressure to maintain the pace in the top three positions in National League 2 (North) has been on DMPRFC for the last few games, notably with a closely fought 5 league point’s victory at Luctonians RFC last week.

This week had been built up by the usual suspects online as a potential banana skin and upset to the league aspirations of DMPRFC and so it could have been, as other teams have found to their cost that Sheffield Tigers RFC are usually a difficult prospect on their own turf.

However, DMPRFC have proved that they have a lot more in the tank these days and although the home side never once shirked in their responsibilities to take on the visitors, fighting to the end, DMPRFC were just too good on the day, grabbing the 5 league points on offer and thus keeping the other two title contenders within reach.

On occasions, Dore Moor can be one of the coldest, windiest places on earth, but the sun shone as both teams took to the field, which looked in perfect condition for running rugby.

This is perhaps not the usual surface for the home team, but to DMPRFC conditions were right for them.

With both teams showing several changes from last weeks' toils, the anticipation of a tough contest, certainly whetted the appetite of the decent crowd in attendance, with DMPRFC supporters in comparable numbers to their hosts.

Within three minutes, DMPRFC had broken the ice with an overlap try by winger Shaun McCARTNEY, converted by Tom HODGSON (7 - 0).

The home side were competing well at this stage and after a series of powerful drives from a catch and drive lineout, the home hooker burrowed over from short range (5 - 7) after fifteen minutes.

A superb individual try by centre Chris PEACE mesmerised the crowd and the entire home team, most of whom he eluded on his way to the try line (5 - 12).

Scrum half Zylon McGAFFIN was next to register, jinking his way through the home defence similarly for his score (5 - 17), with Tom HODGSON converting (5 - 19).

The bonus point try came a couple of minutes before oranges, with Ollie HODGSON scoring a pushover try (5 - 24), the first of his hat-trick of the day.

The visiting forwards at this stage were dominant in all aspects and provided ample possession for the enthusiastic backs. Lock Chris DOOD providing plenty of weight and power to proceedings and flanker Callum MACKENZIE belying his usual centre position with a fine display alongside fellow flanker and workhorse Will MACAULAY.

At the interval, the Sheffield Tigers players looked somewhat jaded, but their effort, passion and pride in their shirt were never questioned, as their did their utmost to stem the tide in an entertaining first half.

The second half was a different story, with DMPRFC running in a further six tries, together with a penalty try and Tom HODGSON converting five of them.

Another pushover try by No. 8 Ollie HODGSON started off the spree, as the home pack were shunted backwards on every scrum, this time over the line (5 - 29). Tom HODGSON converting (5 - 31).

DMPRFC did ring the changes from the bench around this time, with the match safe and one eye on the future, which was prudent to do at that stage.

Skipper Cameron MITCHELL was next into the act, splitting the home defence with a perfect line, to touch down under the posts (5 - 36). Tom HODGSON again converting (5 - 38).

Then came the penalty try, which was inevitable, as the scrum was reset several times, penalties being awarded by the official, who lost patience in the end, running between the posts to award the score (5 - 43). The afters were easy for Tom HODGSON (5 - 45).

Flanker Will MACAULAY scored after a series of pick and drives (5 - 50), converted by Tom HODGSON (5 - 52) and this was followed up with No. 8 Ollie HODGSON’s deserved hat-trick (5 - 57) again converted by his namesake (5 - 59).

Replacement scrum half Max CONNON and full back Henry ROBINSON added two further tries (5 - 69), as DMPRFC ran out comprehensive winners.

Although the home side did suffer somewhat with injuries and were forced into making replacements, they manfully tried to stop further points leaking and it was testament to their efforts that this was the case, otherwise the score could have been a lot more.

DMPRFC themselves know that they did create more opportunities and should have scored more points to increase the points difference aspect, however, it was a very good return on the day.