BROMSGROVE RFC 15 v DMPRFC 29

With both teams occupying similar positions, but at opposite ends of the table, pundits may have predicted a one-sided affair at the HQ of Bromsgrove RFC. However in heavy conditions due to the recent deluge of rain throughout the country, what transpired was an entertaining game for the spectator and a good opportunity for the players to blow away the cobwebs of the festive break.

The commitment from both sets of players was unquestionable and the desire to win obvious, albeit of course for very different reasons, as Bromsgrove RFC seek to extricate themselves from the relegation zone and DMPRFC to keep the pressure on the leaders at the top of the table.

It was Bromsgrove RFC who first registered with the scorer, with a well struck penalty in the first minute at the official deemed the visitors to have transgressed at the breakdown in front of the posts (3 - 0).

DMPRFC were stung into action and struck back with a typical Chris McTURK chip and chase effort, with the winger winning the race with his opposit3e number, over the line to touch down the ball in the corner (3 - 5). Fly half Gavin PAINTER was successful with a difficult conversion from near the touchline (3 - 7).

As the home side were penalised for offside, DMPRFC sought to kick to the corner, in order to set up a catch and drive opportunity. This they did, but a resolute home defence stopped the initial momentum. However, after a series of pick and drives from the visiting pack, No.8 Guy van den DRIES forced his way over for the score (3 - 12). Again Gavin PAINTER found the gap between the posts from a similar position near the touchline (3 - 14).

After the official had warned the home side for persistent offside, it was no surprise when a Bromsgrove RFC centre was sent to the bin on the next occasion, after 15 minutes of play.

Both teams squandered valuable position with some aimless kicking, but it was Bromsgrove RFC who were doing the lion's share of defending, as DMPRFC sought to underline their credentials. Visiting centre Callum MACKENZIE was proving a difficult proposition for the Bromsgrove RFC defenders, scything through at will in typical barnstorming fashion.

Bromsgrove RFC were under pressure in the scrums, but competed well at the lineout, with several of the visitors throws not finding their man.

Bromsgrove RFC did have possession themselves, but a combination of errors and strong DMPRFC defence conspired to clear any danger.

Winger Chris McTURK was always on the lookout for opportunities and when DMPRFC broke up the line on his opposite wing, he raced across and around to receive the ball, with a clear run to the line (3 - 19).

Just before oranges, Bromsgrove produced a deserved converted try, as DMRFC fluffed a defensive lineout and the home side forced their way over the line (10 - 19).

So at the interval, Bromsgrove RFC were buoyed by their breakthrough and DMPRFC knew that they had been set a challenge for the second half.

On resumption of play, for ten minutes both teams eagerly sought the first score and initially what followed was stalemate, with both sets of players cancelling each other out with some good defence.

It was DMPRFC who struck first, with full back Max CONNON finding the gap between defenders for the score (10 - 24).

Both sets of coaches introduced replacements at this stage in order to reinvigorate their teams, with Chris PEACE, Will MACAULAY and Ross WHITE, replacing Max CONNON, Rory DUFF and Ross DONEGHAN.

It was Bromsgrove RFC however, who responded favourably, as they forced their way over for a try, after another series of pick and drives from the forwards (15 - 24).

Just as Bromsgrove RFC seemed to be edging towards a bonus point, their hopes were dashed, as the mercurial winger Chris McTURK dodged into the corner for his hat-trick (15 - 29), putting that out of reach.

Further replacements were introduced late on by DMPRFC in the form of Lewis JOHNSON and Ben SIMPSON, for Shaun McCARTNEY and Henry SANDYS respectively, but the game was already won by the visitors by that stage.

Credit to both sets of players on the day, as the handling displayed belied the heavy conditions and there was certainly no quarter given in the exchanges.

So another five points to DMPRFC, but some light at the end of the tunnel for a resolute Bromsgrove RFC and with plenty of games left, surely a positive springboard for the task ahead of them.