High Tempo performance as mist lift.

A perfect morning for Rugby with the threat of sunshine as DMP arrived at Billingham with a squad of 22.

DMP kicked off, with Jack Hudson launching a high ball which was well contested by both teams. The green & white of Billingham collected and put together a couple of driving mauls, pressing into the Mowden half.
The early exchanges were evenly contested, with both teams securing good field position, but neither managed to press home their advantage.

An early substitution on 8 mins as Kieran Hogg was replaced by Matthew Hanmer.

Mowden broke the deadlock on 12 minutes, a series of phases by the forwards eventually sucked in the home defence, creating space for the backs to exploit. Quick ball and the backs were away, Joe Johnstone through the gap to score wide on the left.
12 mins – Try: 0-5
Billingham responded well, DMP having to put in a serious shift in midfield to hold the home team. A fine tackling display and good work in the rucks & mauls finally broke Billingham’s resistance. A sequence of plays by the forwards allowed No8 Harry Powell to break the defensive line. Followed 4 minutes later by Theo Colley the beneficiary of a great 5 minute attacking spell by the forwards – Jack Hudson slotted both conversions between the sticks.

22 mins – Try & Conversion: 0 - 12
26 mins – TRY & Conversion: 0 -19

Just as thoughts were beginning to turn to half-time oranges, the forwards put together a 9 phase play, gifting clean ball for Sam Anderson to sprint home on the wing.

30 mins – Try: 0-24

The referee blew for half time, DMP deservedly ahead, but Billingham unlucky not to put points on the board.
Half time saw DMP ring the changes, 6 pairs of fresh legs & the re-introduction of Kieran Hogg. As with the World Cup – Rugby is a squad based endeavour and the strength in depth, commitment and teamwork allows DMP to rotate players and keep our high tempo game alive – all 22 players making an appearance.

DMP caught the hosts a little flat footed at the start of the second period, Jake Gardiner completing a series of drives from the forwards reaching the white line as the home defence looked on – Jack Hudson stepped up to complete a hat-trick of conversions.

32 mins – Try & Conversion: 0-31

Line Outs were proving to be a challenge for both teams, as was some of DMP’s handling – a greasy ball from the dew covered surface not helping matters. Other set pieces were well executed, scrums, driving mauls and for a change some imagination with penalties.
DMP’s fresh legs began to have an impact as Billingham tired as their defensive duties began to take their toll. Andy Miller, coming back from injury, managed to tip-toe through the defence to score, Sam Anderson putting the ball between the uprights for the conversion.

43 mins – Try & Conversion: 0 - 38

Fatigue and a little indiscipline reduced Billingham to 14 as a player was shown a yellow card (45mins) – DMP were certain to capitalise on the advantage and so it proved as the hosts began to run out of steam. 2 minutes later good work by the forwards allowed the backs to put ball through hands - Matthew Hanmer running clear to score, Sam Anderson collecting the extras.

47 mins – Try & Conversion: 0 – 45

DMP, now playing with some aplomb continued to draw Billingham players into the breakdown creating gaps for the visitors to use. Ross Harll peeled away from the scrum to cut diagonally across field. With support runners both inside & out drawing the defensive line a gap opened which was duly exploited. Sam Anderson then completed his hat-trick of conversions.

52 mins – Try & Conversion: 0-52

The re-start saw Billingham launch a high ball, which Matthew Hanmer caught cleanly before sprinting down the wing avoiding the attention of 3 defenders to score his second of the morning. The extras were collected as the referee decided to blow the final whistle.

54 mins – Try & Conversion: 0-59

55 mins – Full Time: Billingham 0 - 59 DMP

A great mornings Rugby – the sun finally shone through revealing clear skies – with both teams playing their part in an entertaining game, played in the best traditions of Rugby. DMP were worthy winners, but Billingham put in a solid performance and were unlucky not to convert possession into points.
We thank Billingham for their Hospitality and look forward to the return fixture next March.

Overall a great performance played at a high tempo & intensity from the start. There were outstanding contributions across the park from all players and as such Man of the Match for the second week running is a “TEAM” award.

Quote of the week: “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence”