HUDDERSFIELD RFC 27 v DMPRFC 42

As both teams jostled for superiority in the early stages, it was the visitors who made the more positive start and when flanker Luke WISHNOWSKY was held back by his opposite number, the official awarded the penalty, which was snapped up by Grant CONNON (0 – 3) on ten minutes.

Visiting hooker Andy TONKIN received his marching orders a couple of minutes later, as he was adjudged to have made a dangerous tackle.

The numerical disadvantage did not seem to affect DMPRFC as they applied the pressure to the home line, resulting in a try for Ritchie YOUNG, emanating from a clean break by centre Cameron MITCHELL, after good ground was made by bullocking prop Ralph APPLEBY (0 – 8).

Huddersfield RFC responded, when after a high kick from midfield, a resulting mix up in the visiting defence allowed a try, which was converted (7 – 8).

Huddersfield were reduced in numbers, when one of their flankers tackled Chris PEACE high and the yellow card which followed briefly evened up the on field numbers.

Enterprising play from fly half Grant CONNON, who kicked to the corner for Chris McTURK to gather and score (7 – 13), took DMPRFC further ahead and a neat touchline conversion from the former followed (7 – 15).

During this time, DMPRFC again spurned scoring opportunities to stretch away, but frustration and a little impatience conspired not to add to the scoreboard.

In fact, good interplay from the home backs was rewarded with a converted try (14 – 15) as time edged into the second quarter, as they plugged away with only 30% possession.

No. 8 Danny DIXON imposed his physicality on the game and on one of his charges, forced his way over the line. The officials in attendance considered the score for a short period and then rightly awarded the score (14 – 20), with Grant CONNON again successful with the afters (14 – 22).

Both sides were successful with a couple of penalties apiece before the break and on oranges the score was pretty even at 20 – 25 and more importantly playing numbers restored.

On the resumption of the game, matters were in the balance until after a further ten minutes, Chris McTURK made a customary break down the touchline, supported by Max CONNON, who received the scoring pass from his team mate, touching down under the posts (20 – 30). The afters were easy for Grant CONNON (20 – 32).

Another yellow card was dished out against Huddersfield RFC, as it appeared as though Chris McTURK was taken out in the air by a home defender. However, most onlookers considered the decision as somewhat harsh, as both players seemed to be legitimately competing for the ball.

Several changes were made by both sides in the next minutes, coinciding with DMPRFC‘s next try. Hooker Junior SULUGA – FAGALILO came on and made an immediate impact, taking one against the head in the scrum. Rory DUFF, on at No. 8, fed the ball out to Zylon McGAFFIN, who found Chris PEACE. The visiting centre then weaved his way towards the line and when his progress was halted, had the presence of mind to offload to the supporting Rory DUFF, who scored under the posts (20 – 37), Grant CONNON obliging with the afters (20 – 39).

Huddersfield RFC did manage another score which was converted, when the official awarded a penalty try, as the visiting defenders were adjudged to have offended twice in the ‘red zone’ (27 – 39).

DMPRFC had the last say, when Grant CONNON struck a sweet penalty, as Huddersfield were adjudged to have tackled high in their own 22 (27 – 42).

All in all a good trip away for DMPRFC, who move up to fourth in the table.