DMPRFC 14 v STOURBRIDGE RFC 9

In bitterly cold conditions, DMPRFC not only produced an heroic defensive display, but registered two converted tries and kept Stourbridge to a zero try count, which is something that no other team has managed to do thus far this season.

A decent travelling Stourbridge contingent had made the long journey North and that, coupled with the home support, generated an excellent atmosphere in the Northern Echo Arena, fitting for the expectant collision of the two teams on display.

Stourbridge had travelled the night prior and were also staying on for another night to sample the renowned nightlife of the ‘Toon’, but probably weren’t expecting not to be celebrating another win and further advancement towards the league title and automatic promotion.

The game started well for the visitors, applying pressure on the home defence, which initially coped well with both forward and backs forays.

Stourbridge were rewarded with a penalty after 12 minutes, when DMPRFC were penalised for a scrum infringement just inside the home 22 metre line. The penalty was successful, slotted by their winger, who was probably their best player on the day (0 – 3).

DMPRFC fly half did have a couple of earlier unsuccessful penalty opportunities himself, but his success would come later in the game.

From the restart, DMPRFC competed well at the ruck and were awarded a penalty, from which scrum half Zylon McGAFFIN took the ball with a quick tap, but was impeded in his progress by a visiting lock who was immediately yellow carded by the official.

Stung by this early setback, Stourbridge then had to defend a lineout close to their line, which they did initially, but incessant DMPRFC pressure on the line was rewarded when home prop Ralph APPLEBY crashed over for a try (5 – 3). Grant CONNON was successful with the conversion (7 – 3).

A second penalty success for Stourbridge followed after DMPRFC were caught offside in a similar place to the first penalty and the visiting winger again struck it sweetly (7 – 6).

At oranges, the game was finely poised, with DMPRFC supporters thinking that this just might be their day, but realising that there was still a long way to go against a team who were capable of overturning any advantage.

Again, Stourbridge started strongly and it seemed that whatever team talk had taken place in the dressing room, had galvanised their resolve and desire for improvement.

When home No.8 Guy van den DRIES was sin-binned close to the DMPRFC line for a ruck infringement, the writing appeared to be on the wall for a certain score, when Stourbridge kicked to touch for a customary catch and drive. However, DMPRFC players refused to capitulate and when the drive from the forwards came on, assisted by the odd one or two of the Stourbridge backs, DMPRFC held firm ‘repelling all boarders’.

This pressure was applied constantly for a protracted period by Stourbridge, but no matter what they tried to conjure to puncture the home defence, it stood firm and in fact intensified in it's ferocity.

Despite all of this pressure, DMPRFC gradually began to turn defence into attack and after pressure on the Stourbridge line was applied in return, it was no surprise when Grant CONNON saw a gap in the visiting defence after 65 minutes and threaded his was through it for a decisive try (12 – 7), which he converted himself (14 – 6).

Although obviously stung by another setback, Stourbridge tried again to assert their authority on the game, but no matter what they tried, the home defence had the answer to anything they posed and tackled manfully.
Perhaps partly in realisation that they were not going to score a try no matter what, when presented with a penalty late on, rather than go for another trademark catch and drive late on for the win, the wingers third successful kick reduced the arrears to within losing bonus point distance. This was probably why that decision was taken, as it was becoming increasingly clear that the home side were going to have their victory.

Jubilation for the home side and their supporters on the final whistle and disappointment for the league leaders, as they were left to reflect on the day’s proceedings.

Fantastic team effort by all DMPRFC players on the field, who could be proud of their own individual performances, but who more importantly played for each other on the day.

Stourbridge are an excellent team, with quality all over the pitch and will probably be the league champions at the end of the season and their ‘alickadoos’ were certainly good company and complementary of DMPRFC in defeat.

A day for DMPRFC to savour and indeed some quiet reflection themselves on the disappointments of Hull, Dudley Kingswinford and Luctonians, as things could have been even tighter at the top.