The unbeaten home run continued at the Northern Echo Arena yesterday, as DMPRFC scored 4 tries and prevented Hull Ionians RFC from scoring any points.

Having said that, it wasn't until the 38th minute of the first half that the deadlock was broken and up until then the two sides battled for game supremacy, testing each others defences to the limit.

Honours were even a scrum and lineout, with perhaps the home side shading possession and progress in open play. Some big hits were the order of the day and no more evidenced by a superb display by veteran lock Talite VAIOLETI, who was prominent in defence and attack for the home side.

The visitors were certainly in the game at that stage, with some strong running and ingenuity around the paddock.

For the score, DMPRFC secured a scrum 5-metres from the Ionians line and when the ball emerged, home fly half Warren SEALS found a gap in the visitors defence, scoring the try (5 - 0), but unable to add the extras from wide out.

No more scoring then as the players made their way down the tunnel, with an expectant crowd eagerly awaiting next 40 minutes of play after oranges were served.

The expected dominance materialised after the break, with DMPRFC scoring a further 3 tries, all of them converted and managing to prevent Ionians from scoring a single point.

Lock Jake BRADY scored his first home try of the season after 6 minutes of the re-start after intense pressure on the visitors defence paid off, when he found himself being the extra man wide out. (10 - 0) Warren SEALS converted from a difficult angle. (12 - 0)

Talite VAIOLETI's energy and exhuberence was rewarded in the 59th minute with a deserving try. Stalwart centre Garry LAW intercepted and ran fully 50 metres, before being hauled down. Just as the move seemed to have broken down, the supporting players re-kindled the play and the ball found it's way into the hands of VAIOLETI who crashed over for the score, (17 - 0) converted by SEALS. (19 - 0)

The interception was somewhat of a blow for the visitors as they had manufactured their own opportunity in attack until then and the 'interception' misery continued as the game approached the final 10 minutes, as this time replacement wing Callum MACKENZIE intercepted a promising Ionians attack, running fully 70 metres for the score, (24 - 0) converted by SEALS (26 - 0).

Battered and tired, Ionians never 'threw in the towel' and were competitive until the final whistle, but when it arrived, it had been a comprehensive win by DMPRFC, cementing their 'silver medal' first half of the season.

As well as the loyal support from the DMPRFC faithful, the crowd was bolstered by what seemed to be the whole 'City' of Horden, who had turned out to watch former Horden Welfare RFC hooker Chris WOOD and they were not disappointed as he did them proud.

Raffle Winners:

1st: 276-280 Green
2nd: 311-315 Green

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone in the 'MowdenFamily' and rugby in general.

Next up: Away at Cambridge RFC on Saturday 6th January 2018.

SEE YOU ALL IN 2018