BILLINGHAM RFC 24 v DMPRFC 21

Make no mistake, Billingham RFC deserved the win, as their players dug deep, fought for everything and dogged out a very important win, considering their league position.

DMPRFC players will be disappointed with their own individual performances, as some came second best in this encounter, the net result being that the team failed to function as the unit to which we are accustomed.

After an initial first minute hiccup from the backs in their own 22, DMPRFC were in full control of the game for the first quarter, however a converted try was scant reward for their efforts.

The breakthrough came after some clever interplay in midfield allowed Ben SNOOK to scythe through the Billingham defence and score close to the posts, giving the easiest of opportunities for conversion success to Gavin PAINTER who comfortably obliged.

Just when it needed DMPRFC to kick on, Billingham seemed to sense what was about to follow and decided to intervene, replying with a converted try, levelling the scores at 7 – 7.

DMPRFC then failed to secure the necessary first phase ball to unleash the potential from the wide outside, resulting in the home side gaining the required confidence to mount their own attacks from their lively backline, orchestrated from their influential player/coach.

As the first half seemed to drag well past the allotted period, Billingham grabbed an unconverted try after some uncharacteristically poor defence from the visitors.

Oranges arrived at this stage, with DMPRFC wondering why they had squandered so much early possession for so little reward and Billingham sensing an upset at 12 – 7.

After the break, both sides found difficulty in imposing themselves on each other, with frequent passages of play resulting in turnovers. But roared on by their supporters, Billingham looked the likelier victors as the game progressed, as DMPRFC players lost focus.

Another converted try followed for Billingham, who seemed to be pulling away at 17 – 7, but then came the dubious penalty try that ended up ultimately costing DMPRFC the game.

Granted the attacking winger was stopped illegally after having chipped over his opposite number on his way to trying to collect and run to the line, but the covering Gavin PAINTER gathered, negating the principle of an obvious scoring opportunity. A penalty would have quite rightly been the outcome, however, the official saw things differently and awarded the try, which when given under the posts, afforded an easy conversion.

A succession of several yellow cards followed, which became somewhat farcical at one stage as to who was off or on the field, but no distinct advantage was gained by either side.

As the clock ticked down, Billingham breathed a sigh of relief, thinking of the champagne, oysters and five points, but Robin EATOUGH lit up proceedings and proved what an outstanding player he is, scoring a late brace of individual tries, both of which were converted, one by Gavin PAINTER and the other a drop kick by Todd HARRISON which proved to be the last kick of the game.

So at 24 – 21, the score looked respectable, but each and every DMPRFC player knew at the final whistle, that they had not performed of their best.

All credit to Billingham, they wanted it more and all at DMPRFC wish them well in their struggles to retain National League rugby status.