DMPRFC 54 v PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS 24

With the memory of an opening game of the season defeat (0 – 34) away at Preston Grasshoppers RFC resurrected and the opportunity of cementing third spot in the league, DMPRFC took to the field and blew their opponents away, with five tries before the interval.

Preston Grasshoppers RFC will have arrived at the Northern Echo Arena, buoyed by their win last weekend at home to Leicester Lions (83 – 15) and in the knowledge that should they gain 5 league points out of the game and go on to win at home next Saturday, with another 5 league points against already relegated Westoe RFC, then they would pip their hosts to third place.

However, as they trudged into the changing rooms for the half-time break, with the score at 33 – 7, it appeared as though that possibility was not going to become a reality.

All credit to Preston Grasshoppers RFC, they matched their hosts after oranges, scoring three tries, bringing from their perspective, some respectability to the score and for the observer, a more competitive game.
Winger Chris McTURK opened the scoring after only 3 minutes, when he received the ball wide out and with two defenders to beat, chipped ahead, gathering for a trademark touchdown (5 - 0). Grant CONNON converted the first of his seven conversions (7 – 0), as DMPRFC started with more purpose than the opposition.

McTURK followed up ten minutes later with another score (12 – 0), as the home side began to establish superiority.

DMPRFC’s backs were enjoying superiority, whilst their forwards had parity in the tight against much bigger opponents. The lineout was edging towards the visitors, however the breakdown was being won by the combination of Charlie MADDISON, Callum MACKENZIE and Rory DUFF.

Shortly after the second try, DMPRFC were again successful, when Preston Grasshoppers tried to clear their line and unfortunately for them, the ball bounced kindly for centre Cameron MITCHELL, who outstripped the defence to the line for the score ( 17 – 0), with Grant CONNON again converting (19 – 0).

Preston Grasshoppers did venture into DMPRFC’s half, but from penalties, the ‘catch and drive’ tactic seemed to be their only plan and it didn’t work.

Incisive contributions from scrum half Zylon McGAFFIN and centre Chris PEACE were a driving force for the home side, whilst their front five forwards, including prop Dan MILLER, playing his last game for DMPRFC, worked tirelessly, led by skipper Ralph APPLEBY.

Signs of dejection were being shown as their game plan hit the buffers and when Andy TONKIN burst though after action close to the visitor’s line (24 – 0), things were getting decidedly worse, as DMPRFC already had registered the extra bonus point. CONNON again converting (26 – 0).
In the last five minutes of the half, Chris McTURK completed his hat-trick, with a mazy run to the line (31 – 0) and when Grant CONNON converted (33 – 0), it appeared as though that was to be the score at oranges.

However, DMPRFC were reduced to 14 men, as full back Henry ROBINSON was yellow carded, as the home players took exception to Andy TONKIN receiving some facial massaging from a visiting lock forward.

That reduction in numbers seemed to galvanise the visitors, who scored a converted try just prior to the half-time whistle (33 – 7).

So Preston Grasshoppers looked somewhat shell- shocked as they made their way in at oranges, but the home supporters, impressed by the display of open, running rugby, warmly applauded their players into the changing rooms.

More of the same transpired five minutes after the interval, when industrious flanker Callum MACKENZIE gathered the ball on the visiting 22 metre line and raced away from the covering defenders to score under the posts (38 – 7). Grant CONNON converting easily (40 – 7).

Preston Grasshoppers however, showed determination to at least match their hosts, scoring another try from close quarters (40 – 12), which was converted (40 – 14).

Two further tries from full back Henry ROBINSON AND Grant CONNON, both converted sealed the victory (54 – 14).

With both sides introducing replacements and the game ‘in the bag’, Preston Grasshoppers grabbed two late unconverted tries (54 – 24), but the day and third place in the league belonged to DMPRFC, who deservedly took 5 points.