DMPRFC 10 v CLECKHEATON RFC 10

The bottom line is that despite all the build up and good intentions during the week, DMPRFC 1ST XV failed to deliver against a side we’d easily beaten in the early part of the season.

Granted, Cleckheaton RFC did have players missing back in October when we won on their patch 0 – 20, but so did we and it was thought that we would do the double over them.

We were not however complacent in our attitude towards the game, but reserved and confident of a good performance.

What took place at Yiewsley Drive at the weekend, was by no means a good performance and serves as a wake up call for many of our now established players, who just did not stand up to be counted on the day.

Cleckheaton RFC will win other games in their forthcoming campaign to maintain their National League Three (North) status, of that there is no doubt, as what you see is what you get with them up front. A set of experienced forwards who like to mix it up and do the hard yards and a set of backs, who if you do not put in a decent tackling game, will take advantage.

On the day, we started well enough with a 12th minute try by centre Robin EATOUGH, converted by Ritchie YOUNG. That augured well for the remainder of the game, but really, after that we never seemed to get going and stuttered and stumbled through the rest of 80 minutes or so, with only a Ritchie YOUNG penalty after oranges to show for our endeavours.

Again, we had plenty of possession, but were too predictable in attack, blew chances when it seemed easier to score and some of our defence at times was woeful.

Cleckheaton score two tries after oranges, one via DMPRFC old boy Tom Lauriston. Thankfully neither were converted, although the visiting linesman tried his best to win the game for his side by giving the last attempt at a conversion as a success. (It was tight linesman, so we’ll give you the benefit of the doubt)

A poor display on the day by the home side and thoughts now turn to a trip to West Park (St Helens) next weekend and an opportunity to get back in the driving seat.