MORLEY RFC 10 v DMPRFC 35

As proceedings move towards the half way point of the league season, another bonus point victory was vital to keep ahead of the pack.

Morley RFC had been buoyed by last weeks’ home victory over a difficult Penrith RFC side and were looking to kick on themselves in what has been a poor start to life back in National Three (North) this season.

The weather had been atrocious on the journey to Scatcherd Lane, but on arrival, the rain had stopped and the pitch, although perhaps requiring a ‘little off the top’, was in good order.

The Morley side contained a number of familiar faces in their forwards and the game started off very competitively, until the visitors began to control proceedings, starving the home side of any ball. There was an early glut of penalties awarded by the official against both sides, as the opposing forwards got to grips with each other at the set piece and contact areas.

It was DMPRFC who broke the deadlock, with a Grant CONNON penalty (0 – 3), which was quickly cancelled out by the home kicker (3 – 3)

DMPRFC were well on top in the early stages and prop Dan MILLER crashed over for the first of the six tries (3 – 8), after close contact stuff between the forwards.

Not wanting to be outdone, the visiting backs were looking ominously dangerous and it was no surprise when winger Paul SHEPHERD dived into the corner for the second try of the half (3 – 13).

At this point, DMPRFC failed to crank up the ante and Morley enjoyed a dominant period prior to oranges, particularly when DMPRFC were reduced to 14 men, when lock Andy WILSON was unfortunate to be singled out for being off his feet at a ruck.

In fact, so much so, after oranges, as the sin bin continued, Morley hit back with a try and conversion of their own (10 – 13).

DMPRFC then woke up and scored a further four tries, one of which was converted, to put some distance between the sides.

The first was scored by scrum half Todd HARRISON, who after a series of penalties, darted over for the score (10 – 18).

Max CONNON then got in on the act, with a well taken score after good inter-passing in the back line (10 – 23).

Next followed a popular score for grafting lock Andy WILSON, who bullocked his way over, taking a few defenders with him (10 – 28). His try was added to by a Grant CONNON conversion (10 – 30) in not the best of kicking days for him.

Hooker Andrew TONKIN completed the scoring, burrowing in to score from close range (10 – 35).