DMPRFC maintained their fantastic start to the season with a narrow 32 - 26 win at the Northern Echo Arena against league newcomers Caldy RFC, in a very close contest.

The league leaders were pushed all the way in an enthralling and entertaining game watched by a decent crowd.

Each side scored 4-tries apiece for their bonus points and although DMPRFC gained the win and the 5 points keeping their 100% record to date, Caldy RFC were well worthy of another point for only losing with less than 7 points.

The game was end to end from the opening whistle, as both sides sought to run the ball at every opportunity.

It was the home side who opened the scoring, the ball finding it’s way across the line to winger Shaun McCartney who powered over in the corner (5 – 0). The try was converted from wide out by DMPRFC fly half Garry Law (7 – 0).

Caldy responded when their live-wire full back Mark Dixon pierced the home defence for the try (7 – 5), the conversion from winger Ben Jones, levelling the scores (7 – 7).

For the remaining of the first half, it was the home side who dominated, with first wing Callum Mackenzie and then McCartney again conjuring two tries for DMPRFC, one of which was converted by Law before the break (22 – 7).

Caldy emerged from the tunnel a much brighter side and from a break out of defence their speedy winger Nick Royal edged the visitors a little closer to their hosts (22 – 12).

Law added a penalty for the home side before the introduction of replacement centre Ransford Otutaha proved beneficial for Caldy, when after some good interplay, he dived between the posts for a try (22 – 17) and the conversion by centre Gavin Roberts brought the scores to within 6 points.

Law was again in the action, scoring the bonus point try and then converting for the home side in an attempt to put the game out of the reach of the visitors (32 – 19).

Undaunted Caldy hit back, with again Dixon the provider of their try bonus point (32 – 24), converted by Roberts (32 – 26), contributing to an exciting finale.

The last quarter saw some further end to end rugby, with Caldy having flanker Harrison Crowe sin-binned, but DMPRFC managed to hold on for the win to continue their unbeaten run.

Next Saturday the 1st XV travel to Old Albanian RFC.

Raffle Winner (B&B at Oak Lodge) - Orange 176-180