DMPRFC 27 v LOUGHBOROUGH STUDENTS RFC 13

Unfortunately the wet weather, which persisted throughout the game, put any thoughts that either team had of playing any running rugby, as the ball turned out to be the proverbial 'bar of soap' making all handling difficult.

Both sides did very well under the circumstances and supporters in the stand were entertained regardless of the conditions.

Fairly evenly matched in the first half, the second half was dominated by the home side, who thoroughly deserved the win, cancelling out the away game at Loughborough back in October 2016.

It was Loughborough who were first to put points on the board, when their fly half Owen Waters kicked an early penalty when Mowden infringed at the scrum. (0 - 3)
Loughborough received an early injury blow, when scrum half Cameron Dobinson was forced to leave the field with a hand injury.

Both sides sought to exploit any weaknesses in respective defences and most attempts to cross the line early on were either well defended or 'snuffed out' in the build up.

Mowden wing Will MURRAY, who looked sharp in the early exchanges was also forced to leave the field with what appeared to be a leg injury.

It was Loughborough who continued to infringe on a regular basis, giving home fly half the opportunity to practice his kicking, which has on occasions been ultra reliable, but on other occasions has also been frustrating.

Thankfully and to his credit, his aim was true against Loughborough and he proceeded to kick the home side into a decent lead, contributing 4 penalties in the next 25 minutes, taking Mowden into a 12 - 3 lead as the break for oranges loomed.

During this period, Mowden did have a couple of scoring opportunities, but were sloppy in their execution, particularly at a 5-metre attacking scrum, when it was probably easier to score, however they came away with nothing.

Home wing Adam RADWAN showed glimpses of his recent sparkling form, but although his chances were limited due to some good covering by Loughborough, RADWAN still made ground at pace from wide out, always setting up the next phase.

Loughborough were having some success at lineout time, whereas Mowden strength lay in the scrum, which became more dominant as the game progressed.

Perhaps the thought of a warm changing room for the interval had clouded the home side psyche, as with a minute to go, a total lapse in defence led to the opening try of the game, scored by the visiting No. 8 Charles Kingham, who pierced the line showing utter contempt at some poor opposition effort at stopping him en route to scoring between the posts (12 - 8). The conversion from Waters was a formality. (12 - 10)

Although the score was tight at the interval, Mowden had the better of the game and should have been further ahead.

The rain continued as the players emerged from the tunnel for the second half.
Both teams sought to gain the upper hand, but a penalty exchanges from first BRAGMAN (15 - 10), then Loughborough's Waters (15 - 13) were all that either side could produce for the first quarter of the second half. However, little did the visitors know at this stage, that this would be their last interference with the score board.

Gradually, from this point on, Mowden took a grip of the game as Loughborough faded.

Loughborough's cause was further weakened when their influential No. 8 Kingham was stretchered from the field with what looked like a nasty knee injury. This forced a temporary stoppage in the game, where the players and officials received a welcome break from the cold and wet conditions, with a short trip to recoup in the dressing rooms.

Once play resumed replacement back row forward Simon UZOKWE capped a fine week of being selected for England Students duties, with the first of the home sides two second half tries.

A kick through to the visitors try line for RADWAN was touched down over the line by a Loughborough defender. From the resulting scrum and a series of pick and drives, UZOKWE forced his way over (20 - 13). Replacement player/coach Garry LAW had entered the fray by this stage and kicked the important conversion (22 - 13).

Mowden were well on top at this stage. with Loughborough resorting to damage limitation, as their desire completely faded.

However, home lock Jack PAYNE, currently enjoying a solid spell for Mowden, added to their misery and touched down for a try after a well executed catch and drive lineout, followed by a series of pick and drives, to put the score well out of the reach of Loughborough. (27 - 13)

Man of the Match (Chosen by SG Petch) - Adam Radwan

Winning Raffle Numbers:

1st Prize (2 Tickets to Carvery With a Twist) - Orange 271-275
2nd Prize (1 Free Childs Place For Easter Camp) - Orange 521-525