WATERLOO RFC 17 v DMPRFC 52

With the utmost respect to Waterloo RFC, it could have and should have been more, as in our haste to inject more pace and tempo into an already fast game, we conspired to butcher at least three more obvious scoring opportunities. However, with twenty six points in each half, connections were more than pleased with the outcome.

From the off it was clear that a wide game was the key to unlock the home side. An early penalty miss by Gavin Painter was soon followed up by the same player with a success, as the Waterloo side were not able to stifle the amount of quick ball the visitors were able to produce and resorted to persistent infringements which ultimately later led the official to produce a yellow card to a home flanker, one of four issued on the day.

Robin Eatough glided through the cover defence for the first try, converted by Gavin Painter, however, although missing the resultant conversion, Gavin Painter made amends with another well struck penalty.

The persistence of winger Ben Seru was rewarded after some good work by the forwards, his quick feet finding the gap in a disjointed defence for the score. Whilst missing the resultant conversion, Gavin Painter again quickly restored his contribution to the game with another well struck penalty.

With ten minutes to go before oranges, Waterloo decided to add some respectability to the scoreboard with a well struck penalty, something which they had spurned earlier when kicking to touch and going for a catch and drive which was repelled by the visitors.

Todd Harrison fell foul of the official and was sin binned after a short spell of frustration from both sides evolved into ‘handbags’ thrown, an isolated incident in what was overall a hard fought but even tempered affair.

There was still time before oranges for no.8 Tom Wilkinson to touch down after a five metre scrum and although Charlie Simpson-Daniel made sure of the score, who could deny the back row forward his first try for the club.

After oranges it was more of the same for the first quarter, with two quick scores by Matt Lister, who jinked his way to the line for his first and the other after decent running effort from his own half. The former being converted by Gavin Painter.

Another Waterloo player received his marching orders for a little ‘afters’ at this time.

Todd Harrison (pictured) found the gap from a ruck and swerved his way for a decent score, converted by Gavin Painter.

George Studd, who contributed well from lock was replaced by Andy Wilson, then Ritchie Young was introduced at fly half for Gavin Painter received polite applause from the home crowd for his contributions.

Perhaps these changes disrupted the visitors, as Waterloo RFC upped their game and were awarded penalty try after Will MaCaulay had interfered with a scoring opportunity and was yellow carded for his efforts. The conversion was easily despatched from under the posts.

Then, a moment of individual pace from the home winger, saw him race through for Waterloo’s second try, which again was converted.

Ian Keeligan joined the fray at loose head prop from the bench, with Ralph Appleby receiving applause for his contribution.

With five minutes of the game remaining, there was enough time for Todd Harrison to find another gap, scoring under the posts after relentless forward pressure and finishing off the afters himself.

Although the backs scored the majority of the points, credit to the DMPRFC forwards who produced the required ball after dominance of the lineout and scrum. Notably, new addition and Kiwi Michael Forde performed well on his debut.

All in all, an excellent team performance, which considering that it was on the road, made the journey home even sweeter.