MIDDLESBROUGH RFC 15 v DMPRFC 24

It was always going to be a tough ask, playing Middlesbrough RFC on their patch, with them sitting comfortably in third spot in the league on thirty two points, with a decent run of form under their belt, apart from a recent blip away at Cleckheaton.

The clubhouse at Acklam Park was looking particularly resplendent after the overhaul and in addition, the locals particularly welcoming.

So it was definitely a time for our players to front up to that challenge as we took the field at the weekend, probably with the home supporters expecting to see us sent packing back across the A19.

So when, after five minutes, an incisive break by Rob Eatough released Andy Pugh to score unopposed in the corner, converted by Ritchie Young, perhaps those supporters may at least have had an inclination that it may not be going to go their way.

To be fair, Middlesbrough responded in kind with their winger scoring the first of his two tries after some decent midfield movement. But crucially the extras were missed by their kicker, who had a particularly off day with his boot, which ultimately proved to be the difference between the scores at the end.

The Middlesbrough forwards were combative in the exchanges, tight in the scrum and reasonable in the lineout. They did have the experience in the forward department, however we did compete well at scrum time and also managed to reverse a few line-outs throughout the game.

A Ritchie Young penalty was the only other score before oranges, but it was clear to both sides during that interval, that the intensity of the game needed to be raised in order to secure victory.

It was Park who took the initiative with a quick score from Matt Lister who jinked his way in from wide out to score crucially between the posts for an easy conversion for his team-mate Ritchie Young.

Middlesbrough responded, again from the same winger, but again the conversion was missed.

This score was followed closely by a try from Rob Eatough, who had threatened to score several tries throughout, but ended with his solitary contribution, again under the posts for the simple conversion from Ritchie Young.

Middlesbrough, like us, did squander other scoring opportunities, but they were successful with one other try deep into injury time, which was disputed as the visitors thought that the home centre had stepped out in the dead ball area.

However, it mattered not, as Park were good for their victory against their nearest neighbours and savoured the win back across the A19 and civilisation.