DMPRFC 38 v CALDY RFC 5

Caldy RFC had been buoyed by their win against previously unbeaten Luctonians last week and by all accounts, some of their reversals had been close affairs.

Honours were even for the first fifteen minutes, however the signs were ominous for the visitors during that period, as the home forwards dominated the exchanges, particularly at a scrum and maul time.

So it was no surprise when the deadlock was broken with a try for DMPRFC, scored from a catch and drive lineout, with the Caldy forwards driven back over the line, home hooker Ross DONEGHAN emerging from the melee with the ball (5 – 0). Grant CONNON adding the touch line conversion (7 – 0).

Ten minutes later, a carbon copy try was the next score for DMPRFC. This time in the opposite corner, with the same effect, with hard working flanker Liam RILEY touching down (12 – 0). Although the conversion was from a tight touch line angle, Grant CONNON repeated his earlier success for the extras (14 – 0).

Caldy did have some possession, mainly from lineout’s, however they were unable to retain possession and although their backs looked capable and inventive, too often any good ball was wasted due to unforced errors.

DMPRFC remained dominant up front and when several scrums were re-set just prior to oranges near to the Caldy line, a penalty from Grant CONNON was the only addition to the score at the interval (17 – 0).

Home lock Pierce PHILLIPS failed to emerge after the break, with Guy van den DRIES slotting into his place, able replacement Will MACAULAY to the flank and versatile Jack ALLCOCK to No.8. The reshuffle initially appeared to affect the forward dominance of the home side, however this was returned to the home pack, when the visiting skipper and prop was sin-binned for a high tackle.

Pressure was exerted on the home line once again when Caldy were minus their player and from a scrum, the ball was fed out to winger Lewis JOHNSON, who skilfully scooped up the ball in mid-flow, crossing the try line in the corner (22 – 0). Again Grant CONNON converted the try, with another tremendous touch line kick (24 – 0).

All match officials played their part in allowing the game to flow and worked well together as a team.

Next it was Grant CONNON’s turn to add a try, for the bonus point when from another 10 metre scrum, brother Max shipped him the ball and he kinked his was through defenders to the try line under the posts (29 – 0). This time the conversion was easy and presented no problems for Grant CONNON (31 – 0).

The Caldy debutant openside flanker worked tirelessly all game, however, his team were unable to register with the scorer until, with only a few minutes remaining, the visiting side managed a solitary try, as their centre found some space and crossed the home line (31 – 5).

There was still time for DMPRFC to have the final word, when replacement debutant hooker David NELSON found himself in space out wide to cross the whitewash for the last try of the game (36 – 5).
Replacement back Tom HODGSON adding the extras (38 – 5).

The final whistle brought another five valuable league points for the home side, as their attempt to consolidate their position in the top teams gathers momentum.