It was evident that both teams had done their respective homework on each other in this low scoring game at the Darlington Arena. Rams had concentrated their efforts on stifling the opposition back line, whilst DMPRFC had concentrated on stopping the visitors 10-man game.

However, when the resulting homework was presented for inspection, it was Rams RFC who received the highest marks, achieving their goal, whilst DMPRFC received low marks for their efforts and should have done better.

Meeting for the first time ever, both sides were relying on match video footage and reports to plan each others downfall and this was evident in the early exchanges, which were tentative, coupled with some poor out of hand kicking on the part of both.

Rams settled early on and looked like the home side. Whereas DMPRFC never really did so until the latter stages of the game.

It wasn't long before DMPRFC were punished for a slow start, when from a needless midfield penalty, the ball was kicked into touch to set up Rams trademark catch and drive. It was executed to perfection, with Rams No. 8 Jamie GUTTERIDGE steering the juggernaut at the tail for the touchdown. (0 - 5)

Clear opportunities for both sides to score were in short supply, as for the majority of the first half, aggressive defences were to the fore and the highlight of a game which lacked flair and invention.

Visiting hooker Ben Henderson was the pick of the Rams players, directing operations and carrying strongly, until leaving the field late on through injury.

Before the break, visiting fly half Alex SEERS kicked a penalty (0 - 8) and completed the only further scoring of a first half, which although failing to meet expectations of the decent crowd in attendance, hopefully augured well for something better after oranges.

The home side started the brighter after the break, when replacement wing Callum MACKENZIE made a clean break, scampering 20 metres before being hauled down 5-metres from the line by an excellent defensive tackle. Scrum half Euan McKIRDY secured the ball and evaded desperate retreating defenders to dot down over the line, near the posts, (5 - 8), with fly half Warren SEALS converting successfully. (7 - 8)

As the game opened up, it was the home side who looked the more likely to overhaul their visitors. But a combination of poor support play and wrong options conspired to help the visitors keep them out.

However, it was Rams who made the only addition to the scoreboard, when fly half SEERS added a penalty, as the home side strayed offside. (7 - 11)

DMPRFC went for it, throwing caution to the wind, as the Rams tired in the latter stages, as had been predicted. Several opportunities to win the game were shunned through frustration and lack of patience, but time ran out and in the end Rams held out and deserved their win.

Half-Time: 0 – 8
Full-Time: 7 - 11
Player of the Game: Oliver HODGSON (DMPRFC)
Referee: Mr Joe JAMES
Attendance: 857

DMPRFC SQUAD/CHANGES

15. Callum IRVINE (Chris McTURK, 44), 14. Oliver WALKER (Callum MACKENZIE, 44), 13. Benjamin FRANKLAND, 12. Benjamin DIXON, 11. Shaun McCARTNEY, 10. Warren SEALS, 9. Euan McKIRDY, 1. Alfie BARRON, 2. Joseph DUFFY (Ralph APPLEBY, 62), 3. Ignis DARKINTIS(Conor WARD, 40), 4. David FISHER, 5. Jpe CRAGGS, 6. Daniel GRANGE (Dan MARSHALL, 56), 7. George STOKES, 8. Ollie HODGSON.

DMPRFC SCORING:

Try: McKIRDY (46)
Conversion: SEALS (47)
Penalty: None
Drop Goal: None
Penalty Try: None
Yellow Card: None

RAMS RFC SQUAD/CHANGES

15. Henry BIRD, 14. Jak ROSSITER, 13. 12. Andrew HUMBERSONE (Connor HAYHOW, 71), 11. Andrew DENHAM, 10. Alexander SEERS, 9. Oliver COLE (MILES Lloyd, 79), 1. Jack STEADMAN, 2. Ben HENDERSON (Oliver MOFFITT, 78), 3. Sean McDONNELL-ROBERTS (James BAKER, 40), 4. Oliver TAYLOR, 5. Colin THOMSON, 6. Connor STAPLEY (Joshua COLLIS, 31), 7. Tom VOOGHT, 8. Jamie GUTTERIDGE.

RAMS RFC SCORING:

Try: GUTTERIDGE (9)
Conversion: None
Penalty: SEERS (28, 71)
Drop Goal: None
Penalty Try: None
Yellow Card: None

NEXT WEEK: DMPRFC 1ST XV v BISHOP STRORTFORD RFC (A)

50/50 Match Draw Winner - Ticket 287