CINDERFORD RFC 3 v DMPRFC 17

In a game vitally important for both sides, DMPRFC started off the New Year with a well deserved victory over a Cinderford RFC side at the Beavis Memorial Ground.

With heavy overnight rain, the pitch was not conducive to any sort of running rugby, but DMPRFC made the most of the conditions to prevail in a low scoring game.

DMPRFC were dealt a massive blow, when winger Jamie BARNARD was struck with an ankle injury with less than 5 minutes played, resulting in a ten minute stoppage for treatment, to what ultimately was diagnosed as a broken ankle.

(May all at DMPRFC register sincere thanks to the medical staff at Gloucester General Hospital for such a speedy diagnosis and initial treatment - as well as DMPRFC's own physiotherapists Rob and Rachel, Cinderford RFC's physios and the attending paramedic at the game)

With Jamie BARNARD stretchered from the field and off to hospital by ambulance, the game resumed and Tom KILL the replacement entered the fray. much earlier than expected.

DMPRFC took the game to the home side and barring some periods of Cinderford RFC possession, in general dominated the game from start to finish.

Several powerful catch and drives took the visitors deep into home territory, as Cinderford were punished often at the breakdown.

An early Grant CONNON penalty opportunity was slid wide, but the pressure was rewarded after the 17th minute, when another 20 metre catch and drive saw scrum half Adam NIXON dart over from close range (0 - 5). Grant CONNON added the extras with a good conversion from a difficult angle (0 - 7).

With the pitch being fairly heavy and the ball proving very slippery, both sides coughed up possession at regular intervals and any chance of Cinderford registering suffered through handling errors.

With 10 minutes to go prior to oranges, the visitors failed to roll away after the tackle in front of the posts and the home fly half made no mistake with the ensuing penalty (3 - 7).

Just prior to the interval, DMPRFC mustered more pressure on the home line and this time full back Henry ROBINSON squeezed through contact for the touchdown (3 - 12). Again Grant CONNON was successful with the extras (3 - 14).

Both sets of players had locked horns and slugged it out in the first half and were glad of the break.

The second half gain was an arm wrestle up front, with occasional flashes from both sets of backs, but the strength sapping surface made life difficult for any form of open rugby.

Debutant lock Ben GLEDHILL enjoyed his first outing and was the pick of the visiting forwards, with full back Henry ROBINSON providing some excitement for the watching crowd, with a couple of searing breaks.

As hard as they tried, Cinderford RFC never really looked like scoring a try and were shut out for the first time at home this season.

A Grant CONNON penalty was the only score of the second half, but DMPRFC had doe enough to secure a valuable win away from home and an even more valuable 4 points towards the league total, giving them some respite from the toils of the lower echelons.

More of the same grit and determination are required by DMPRFC this coming Saturday at home, as Richmond RFC visit the Northern Arena for the very first time.

Many thanks to the band of DMPRFC supporters who made the long trek to Gloucestershire. It was much appreciated as always and although small in number, always heard.