WEST HARTLEPOOL RFC 17 v DMPRFC 22

The paramedics in attendance, rightly took their time to stabilise the player after the initial injury appeared to be neck related.

As both teams waited patiently, it was obvious that bad light was going to prevent the completion of the full game and therefore on resumption of play, the game was reduced to the shorter period.

From the outset, DMPRFC starter the brighter and sharper of the two teams and it was no surprise that they registered the first score, with winger Ross BURTON darting over after four minutes. West Hartlepool seemed initially to be slow off the mark in comparison, as they failed to touch the ball early doors (0 – 5).

However, they gradually forced their way into the game after that wakeup call and slowed the game down to their pace, with catch and drive tactics, accompanied by forward drives, which were successful in reigning back the visitors.

It was DMPRFC’s turn to defend, which they did, until on 37 minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty try from a 5 yard scrum, the visitors adjudged to have dropped the scrum preventing a certain pushover try. No arguments from DMPRFC, as the scrum was certainly under pressure in the first half, West being a lot heavier in that department.

The conversion from under the posts was no problem for West and they briefly went into the lead just prior to oranges (7 – 5).

DMPRFC responded before the interval, when Ross BURTON went over for his brace and with Tom HODGSON slotting the afters, the visitors were ahead at the break (7 – 12).

In the build up to the score, Michael Hogan sustained the injury and the teams waited for him to receive the necessary treatment.

With sixty minutes agreed, the game resumed and immediately from the restart, DMPRFC fumbled the kick-off. From the resultant scrummage the home side eventually rumbled over the line and a super kick from the touchline put them in front (14 – 12).

West were reduced to 14 men when a centre was sent to the bin and whilst a man short, DMPRFC pushed on and were successful with a Tom HODGSON penalty to edge ahead (14 – 15).

With the clock ticking down, both sides tried to seal the win, but it was DMPRFC who took the initiative, scoring another try via scrum half Marty LITHGO, who darted over, with Tom HODGSON converting (14 – 22).

West Hartlepool gambled with a well struck penalty (17 – 22) anticipating a final flourish to win it with a converted try, but after a player was sin binned from either side, the game ended with a win for the visitors and a place in the semi final at home to Westoe RFC.

Another pre-season friendly away to Harrogate RFC at the weekend and then league action the following week. No let up !!!!