DMPRFC 38 v WESTOE RFC 24

The game started at a phrenetic pace, as both sides tested each other’s capabilities and honours were fairly even for the first quarter.

The visitors tried and tested catches and drives from the lineout was evident from the outset, but their insistence on it probably cost them points early doors, as it was thwarted from the outset by a resolute and ferocious defence.

It was DMPRFC who registered the first points breaking away up field and wide, with the ball finding its way to centre Sean McCARTNEY, who powered to the line. His progress was halted by a high tackle from the last Westoe man in defence and adjudged by the official to have prevented a certain try (5 – 0). Therefore the official awarded a penalty try and the conversion under the posts was easy for fly half Tom HODGSON(7 – 0).

Westoe reverted to type and after ten minutes of trying, scored when their hooker burrowed over from close range, the initial pressure from a catch and drive lineout (7 – 5). The conversion was successful (7 – 7) and with six minutes remaining, it was thought that honours may be even at oranges.

However, in a five minute purple patch just prior to the break, DMPRFC scored two unanswered, converted tries, to stun the visitors.

DMPRFC cranked up the pace and the first try emanated from an attacking scrum. The ball was spun out to debutant wing Jack NEVILLE, who cut a line inside the rushing defence and once he was stopped, he cleverly offloaded to the supporting Sean McCARTNEY, who glided past the defence to score in the corner (12 – 7). The conversion was wide out but it proved no problem for Tom HODGSON who added the extras (14 – 7).

McCARTNEY injured himself in the act of scoring and had to be replaced at this early stage and young Josh HALL, took to the field.It was HALL who was instrumental in the scoring soon after, as before Westoe had, had a chance to regroup, DMPRFC were in again, when Chris PEACE incisively made good progress, offloaded to Josh HALL in support, who in turn managed to offload to the supporting flanker Will McCAULAY, who touched down under the posts, as Westoe looked on bewildered (19 – 7). Tom HODGSON easily converted (21 – 7).

Shell-shocked at oranges, Westoe trudged off to assess the damage and plan a counter offensive, as DMPRFC perhaps sensed the win too early.
After oranges, again a period of attack and counter attack, with Westoe determined to get back into the game, however nothing much was happening for them outside the scrum.

DMPRFC again took the initiative, with debutant wing Ross BURTON scoring with a clever kick through and gather for a touchdown after thirteen minutes of second half play (26 – 7).

Both teams decided to ring the changes, but it was DMPRFC who did not seem to re-adjust, as the visiting replacement back scored a try (26 – 12).

Again another purple patch period for DMPRFC saw two unanswered tries, one of which was converted, to take the home side seemingly out of sight.

Both were initiated from tap penalties and both were scored by debutant wing Jack NEVILLE, capping a fine performance. Tom HODGSON successful with one conversion (38 – 12).

With DMPRFC down to fourteen men through injury, Westoe did try a rear guard action. They scored a penalty try, which was easily converted, when the official adjudged the home side to be dropping the scrum under the posts and another forward short range effort in the dying minutes (38 – 24), to earn a bonus point, but there was no denying a thoroughly deserved victory for the home side.