DMPRFC 17 v PLYMOUTH ALBION RFC 20

In most respects, this game was a carbon copy of the home game against Rosslyn Park RFC (19 - 20), where apart from the obvious closeness of the score line, DMPRFC should have won the game.

DMPRFC did have the opportunities, but like the other game, failed to convert those opportunities and as a result suffered the consequences.

Having said that, against a strong Albion outfit, who at the start of the game were in third spot in National League One, DMPRFC certainly did not look out of place and considering at one stage DMPRFC were 0 - 14 down, did very well to get back into it and nearly won it.

The game started badly for the visitors, who were playing in the Arena for the first time.
Albion's fly half was sin-binned after only three minutes, when he interfered in the air as DMPRFC wing Adam RADWAN collected a high ball. There was no malice in the action, so the official deemed the yellow card as sufficient.

The resulting penalty saw home fly half Josh BRAGMAN hit the post with his kick.
However, this seemed to galvanise Albion who proceeded to rack up 14 unanswered points before the first quarter of the game had elapsed.

A series of pick and drives followed a failed maul at a lineout brought the visitors first try, seeing top scoring wing Robin Wedlake-Millecam on hand to dot the ball down (0 - 5), after initially some brave defence from the home side. The afters were assuredly added to the scoreboard by full back Matt Shepherd, who apart from one later penalty blemish, kicked well all game (0 - 7).

Albion were enjoying possession dominance at this stage, despite their reduction in numbers and after only another five minutes, visiting skipper Michael Stupple kept the ball in at a 5-metre scum and had the simplest of touchdowns as the home pack signalled reverse, after initially competing well at that facet of the game (0 - 12). Again Shepherd found the mark with the conversion (0 - 14).

For some, thoughts may have turned to 'a hard day at the office' with such a score line after only 20 minutes. But, as has been alluded to previously, DMPRFC are made of 'stronger stuff' these days and they stuck to the task of fighting back.

With Albion restored to a full complement, it wasn't long before a key player, lock Todd Leyland Prisk was warming the 'naughty bench' when cynically knocking the ball on, preventing a promising DMPRFC attack from progressing out wide.

This time, it was DMPRFC who profited from Albion's numbers reduction, scoring two tries before oranges, to get themselves back in the game.

The first try for the home side came from the metronomic wing Adam Radwan, who added another try to his increasingly impressive tally for the club, when his pace allowed him the edge in his sprint to the corner, taking a couple of defenders over the line with him to score (5 - 14).

Although difficult from wide out, the usually reliable boot of Josh BRAGMAN returned and he slotted the afters (7 - 14).

With Albion sitting back somewhat, DMPRFC struck again.

A catch and drive lineout progressed over the visitors line and lock Joe CRAGGS emerged from the melee, ball in hand to claim the try for DMPRFC (12 - 14).

Unfortunately the afters fell wide of the mark.

As oranges arrived DMPRFC were well and truly back in the game and the decent crowd in attendance were looking forward to more of the same on resumption of play.
Both sides had a determined look after the break, with both sides realising perhaps that the next score would be vital.

The fact that it was by DMPRFC augured well for their game, when a series of swift passes made territory out of their own half for DMPRFC, with Adam RADWAN receiving the ball 35 metres out.

He deftly chipped his opposite number and appeared to win the race over the line for the try. Desperate Albion defence hid the touchdown from an official playing catch up to play and the effort was ruled as being held up.

Thankfully, justice was restored when home No. 8 Matt HEATON touched down after a 5-metre scrum had applied pressure on the visiting defence, finished off by him after a series of pick and drives (17 - 14). The conversion was missed, but more importantly DMPRFC were in the lead for the first time in the game.

However, the lead was short lived, as Albion hit back and were soon ahead with a couple of well struck penalties from Shepherd, which basically won them the game (17 - 20).

As the last kick on 65 minutes gave DMPRFC some time to regain the lead, any fight back was stifled by the professional 'old manning' of the home side by a 'canny' Albion side, who took every advantage possible to run down the clock. .

Scorers for Darlington Mowden Park RFC:
Tries:
RADWAN 28 mins
CRAGGS 35 mins
HEATON 51 mins

Conversions:
BRAGMAN 10

Penalties/Drop Goals
None

Scorers for Plymouth Albion RFC:
Tries:
WEDLAKE-MILLECAM 14 mins
STUPPLE 19 mins

Conversions:
SHEPHERD 14, 19 mins

Penalties:
SHEPHERD 55, 65 mins

Drop Goals
None

Attendance – 888
Man of the Match – Chris AULD (DMP)
Referee – Mr. Jamie LEAHY
Half Time – 12 – 14

Man Of The Match: Adam Radwan

Raffle Winning Numbers:
1st Prize (Family Ticket to England U20s Game) - ORANGE 111-115
2nd Prize (Signed Mizuno Ball) - ORANGE 441-445