Following a 33-23 win in Saturday’s season opener against Loughborough, DMP now head into an away trip to Hull in the second game of the National One Season. Captain Chris Auld was happy with the start the team had made: “You can't ask for much more than 5 points from the first game of the season against a good Loughborough side. Overall it was a good performance from the squad.”

The 33-23 win saw Mowden run in 5 tries in an impressive attacking display, and Auld was keen to build on the strong opening: “Obviously there are always things to improve on which we have addressed and worked on in analysis and training this week, however on the whole we were threatening in attack and defence, and put into place what we have been practicing throughout pre-season.”

The 24 year-old captain was also pleased with how the new summer signings had gelled into the existing squad. The Loughborough game saw club debuts for Jake Brady, Matt Dudman and Alfie Barron, whilst Chris McTurk, Warren Seals and Grant Connon all returned to the club after spells away. Auld commented: “The new boys have bought into the way Mowden play and what the coaches are implementing from day one. That really showed in the first game of the season with strong performances from them all."

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game against Hull, the Scotsman was optimistic about his side’s chances down at Brantingham Park: “We know what Hull will bring to the table this weekend and we have spoken about that previously. However, this weekend we are going down to Hull concentrating on ourselves and putting in place our systems and what we have discussed this week. If we can do that we are confident we will come away with the win on Saturday.”

Mowden Park will return to the Northern Echo Arena next Saturday in the first of 5 double headers this season. The men will take on Cambridge in a 2pm kick off, with the Sharks facing Gloucester-Hartpury shortly afterwards at 4pm. Fans can see Chris and the rest of the team in action by purchasing their Mowden season tickets here.