DMPRFC 38 v HARROGATE RFC 20

For the first time in many weeks, the rain had stopped and the sun shone on a perfect, if not a little cold day for rugby at the Northern Echo Arena.

The rugby on show between DMPRFC and Harrogate RFC was a credit to both teams, each willing to run the ball and make use of the whole field.

Harrogate RFC had brought with them a sizeable contingent of support, travelling the relatively short distance up the A1 (M), to cheer on their team, in what was the nearest thing to a derby game for the home side.

From the off, an uncharacteristically slow start from DMPRFC, saw Harrogate RFC with a 14 point advantage, with two converted tries and they were well worth their lead, as DMPRFC were left sitting in their blocks.

The first try for the visitors came after sloppy handling allowed an interception, with their winger sprinting in under the posts.

Their second and best try came courtesy of a fine individual effort from their hard working outside centre (0 - 14) and with both conversions successful, DMPRFC knew after only ten minutes of play that they were in for a stiff test of character.

But DMPRFC are made of sterner stuff these days and the response from the home side was immediate, as powerful winger Shaun McCARTNEY squeezed into the corner, after the ball found its way to him via fast hands from midfield (5 - 14).

DMPRFC lost prop Henry SANDYS at this early stage, with what appeared to be an ankle injury, to be replaced by Ben SIMPSON.

Pressure was brought to bear from the DMPRFC forwards and from a series of pick and drives close to the visitors line, hooker Ross DONEGHAN crashed over (10 - 14), with fly half Gavin PAINTER converting (12 - 14).

The revival was short lived as Harrogate responded with a well struck penalty, as the home side were deemed to be holding on in the tackle just inside their own 22 metre line (12 - 17), extending the visitors lead.

Although Harrogate did have good lineout possession, the home pack were on top at the scrum and just before the interval, tireless flanker Anthony HARRISON barged his way over for a try, with initial progress made by fellow flanker Rory DUFF and prop Ralph APPLEBY (17 - 17). Gavin painter added the extras (19 - 17).

So at oranges, the scores were pretty close, but there was a sense that DMPRFC had the edge at the breakdown, which was key to possession in this game.

Harrogate made two changes at half time, introducing fresh legs to the fray.

However, DMPRFC started the brighter after the interval and with pressure on the visitors on the own 22 metre line, a sloppy pass was intercepted by home skipper and centre Cameron MITCHELL who raced in and around under the posts for the try bonus point (24 - 17). Gavin PAINTER adding the conversion (26 - 17).

This score appeared to have somewhat of a demoralising effect on the visitors, who to be fair had worked tirelessly for their points. Their last points of the game, with half an hour or so left in the game came via another penalty, after DMPRFC had strayed offside (26 - 20).

As the game opened up and spaces were found, Harrogate did attempt to run at the home defence, but they stood firm and repelled any assaults on the line.

DMPRFC introduced the bench, with Chris PEACE, Ollie HODGSON and Max CONNON, replacing Anthony HARRISON, Talite VAIOLETI and Andrew SMITH and with some appropriate re-shuffling, it was business as usual, when prop Ralph APPLEBY capped a fine game with a deserved try, after a catch and drive from a lineout (31 - 20). Gavin PAINTER again converting (33 - 20)

As the home side then sought to turn the screw as the game entered its final stages, winger Shaun McCARTNEY finished off a flowing move, again squeezing in, in the corner for his brace of tries (38 - 20).

On the final whistle, the news that Sedgley Park RFC had prevailed over leaders Macclesfield RFC brought a welcome additional bonus, as DMPRFC leapfrogged into gold medal position in the league, for the first time this season. However, as everyone knows, there are no prizes yet, with a long way to go before the medal ceremony.

Credit to the officials in attendance who policed the game perfectly, intervening appropriately and at the same time allowing both teams to show their credentials.