DUDLEY KINGSWINFORD RFC 10 v DMPRFC 53

Despite being in the unenviable position of propping up the rest of SSE National League 2 (North), Dudley Kingswinford RFC refused to capitulate in this game, where it had been predicted by many pundits, that a ‘cricket score’ was inevitable. However, with DMPRFC and their connections mindful of their home advantage and memories of last season vividly remembered, full respect was given to a club decimated by injuries, player defections and retirements this season.

In the game itself, Dudley Kingswinford RFC players, although outclassed in most departments were buoyed by their loyal backroom staff and ever supportive fans and showed spirit and determination , especially after oranges, when the floodgates could have opened.

DMPRFC prop Ralph APPLEBY broke the deadlock after only three minutes, when he appeared wide out to profit from some quick hands and dived in unopposed (0 – 5), with fly half Max CONNON slotting a precise conversion from a difficult angle (0 – 7).

Immediately from the restart, skipper Cameron MITCHELL glided through effortlessly score under the posts (0 – 12) and with the conversion easy for Max CONNON (0 – 14), things were looking ominous for the home side after only six minutes.

Dudley Kinsgwinford responded with a penalty, with the visitors conceding too many offside offences for the official (3 – 14).
The game was effectively sealed in the next ten minutes, as winger Shaun McCARTNEY displayed his talents with an impressive hat-trick of tries, leaving home defenders floundering in his wake.

The first was a straight forward burst of speed down his own wing, after fast hands along the line and an outpacing of the defence (3 – 19).

His brace came when he appeared on his opposite wing and with pace and power, he fended off would be tacklers to prevail and add the try bonus point (3 – 24).

A deserved hat-trick followed, this time back on his own wing, but more of the same, with the home defence unable to stop his progress (3 – 29). This try was converted by Max CONNON (3 – 31).

So, as the first quarter of the game came to a close, the game was over as a competition, but there for DMPRFC to completely further embarrass their hosts or for the home side to show their fighting spirit.

Thankfully, from a Dudley Kingswinford RFC perspective, it was the latter, as they responded manfully and so much so that a try from their bustling hooker was the next occurrence, as he burrowed over from short range (8 – 31), the home fly half adding the easy extras (10 – 31).

Not to be outdone, DMPRFC centre Chris PEACE got in on the action on his first full start for a while, gliding through for another try (3 – 36), with Max CONNON converting (3 – 38).

A mixture of DMPRFC sitting back and admiring their previous work and Dudley Kingswinford defensive grit and determination conspired to add no further scores before the interval.

Skipper Cameron MITCHELL gave way to utility back Lewis JOHNSON after the break, as DMPRFC sought to capitalise on their first half domination.

As proceedings got underway, the visiting forwards stepped up a gear and the plight of the home side was further added to with their replacement prop sent to the sin bin for collapsing a maul, which was en route over the line before his intervention.

DMPRFC replaced the hard working flanker Jack ALLCOCK on his fine return from injury and lock Chris DOOD was rewarded with his first appearance at 1ST XV level this season, having earned the opportunity after some fine displays in the Development side. He immediately made his presence known to the opposition with a shuddering tackle from the outset.

Winger Shaun McCARTNEY completed his scoring with the first try after the break, constructed by the forward pack (10 – 43) and it may have been envisaged that a repeat of the first half was to take place.

As DMPRFC winger Callum MACKENZIE powered over for the next try, he was adjudged to have used his forearm to fend off the last defender and although the score was wiped off, he was sent to the sin bin for his efforts, leaving both sides with reduced numbers temporarily.

Dudley Kingswinford were not able to profit from their numerical advantage as they were returned to their full compliment, as industrious DMPRFC scrum half Andrew SMITH dodged his way over for a try (10 – 48).

Further replacements were introduced by both sides, with Charlie MADDERSON on for Glen YOUNG and Gavin PAINTER for the returning Callum MACKENZIE.

To their credit, Dudley Kingswinford upped their game in the final quarter and mounted a series of assaults on the visitor’s line in an attempt to add to their tally. It was only a stern defence that prevented this, but when in a rare DMPRFC counter attack, the home sides purple patch was brought to end, when DMPRFC scrum half scored the final try of the game (10 – 53).

Next game we welcome Birmingham Solihull to the arena on the 25th.For Match Details Click Here