Thriller, not in Manilla,

A third successive away fixture as the U16’s looked to maintain their 100% start to the season. Today’s hosts Yarm have been somewhat of a bogey team, last season’s encounter was a gruelling affair – today would be no different. Squad numbers were depleted, with only 2 on the bench, how would the blues respond?

DMP kicked off, Jack Hudson now consistently launching ball which allows the forwards to engage from the start. The U16’s were quickly into their stride – clear calling from the forwards as they worked a series of training ground moves. Yarm, resolute in defence secured an early penalty – loose lips costing DMP a further 10m
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DMP were dominating these early exchanges, the forwards carrying the ball over the gain line, sucking in defenders and creating overlaps for the backs to exploit, if only the extra pass would come. A the scrum, Andy Bain was hooking clean ball for William Swinbank to spin out to the backs, the newly formed pairing with Jack Hudson ensuring DMP coming close on 2 occasions, the home defensive line holding firm.
Yarm tested the full back with a couple of kicks downfield, Jack Wears’ cleanly collecting and seeking out the security of the forwards.

DMP looked turn possession into points, but fell short as Yarm counter attacked. Yarm secured a scrum on the halfway line, allowed classy full back, Morgan Passmon to join the attacking line. Receiving ball at pace he sprinted through the middle of the pitch a number of half- hearted tackles as player after player forgot about his legs. Against the run of play Yarm were a converted try ahead.

12 mins – Try & Conversion: 7-0

In the past heads would have dropped, but not this team. Undeterred, the forwards looked to carve open an opportunity, first Theo Colley and then Ross Harll punched holes in the home defence. Jack Hudson popped the ball out to Kieran Hogg, who still with plenty to do, 30m out, skated around the outside of his opposite number to score under the posts. Parity was restored as Sam Anderson easily converted.

14 mins – Try & Conversion: 7-7

DMP looked to press home their advantage, for once the forwards carrying the ball longer than was needed – the front row guilty. The back row then committed the sin of letting the Yarm no15 run at them – no names, but head coach Del Russell berated the team “that was embarrassing” as Morgan Passmon ran through the forwards like a hot knife through butter.

19 mins – TRY & Conversion: 14:7

For the second time DMP found themselves behind. Set pieces were proving to be a problem – penalised at the lineout and the scrum, handling errors were also punished by the match official. DMP were playing some of their best rugby so far this season, – a well worked number of phases allowed Harry Powell in for a deserved try, Jack Hudson kicking the conversion.

27 mins – Try & Conversion: 14-14

DMP continued to press the play, Yarm counter attacking – these were two evenly matched teams. Penalty for Yarm just inside DMP territory and a resultant lineout – once again the Yarm Full Back found himself in space to complete a first half hat-trick
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34 mins – Try & Conversion: 21-14

The referee blew for half time, DMP a converted try behind
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Half time saw the introduction of Kieran Goggard, Jack Wears substituted after a great first half display.
DMP started the second half as they started the first, high tempo & intensity taking the game to Yarm. But within a matter of minutes Brandon Futers was withdrawn with an ankle injury, Tom Eddison joining the fray, quickly followed by a further injury. DMP’s counter rucking was unsettling the Yarm defence, an unsighted referee missing a dump tackle on Daniel Hope which resulted in a lengthy delay and the re-introduction of Jack Wears. Without an effective front line, scrums were now uncontested.
Sam Anderson looked to have broken on the left wing, only to be called back for a foot in touch.
William Swinbank began to call the shots, the forwards pressed and took more Yarm players into contact before setting up Jack Hudson to spin the ball past the dummy runner, Kieran Goddard joined the attacking line at pace. 30m out, he powered home leaving the Yarm defence in tatters.

47 mins – Try: 21-19

Three minutes later, penalty to DMP - in an almost identical move Kieran Goddard once again left a trail of Yarm players prostrate on the ground. DMP’s very own Weapon of Mass Destruction creating havoc amongst the opposition lines – the pitch looked like a war zone. Sam Anderson collecting the extras.

50 mins – Try & Conversion: 21-26

For the first time in the contest Park were ahead. Yarm bounced back with some attacking phases, DMP guilty again of some soft tackling. The scores were levelled as Yarm registered their 4th Try of the morning, followed by a 100% kicking performance by Morgan Passmon.

53 mins – Try & Conversion: 28-26

Entering the final quarter of this thrilling match fitness was going to play its part. Head Coach Del calling the team for 100% & asking the team to “hold their shape”.
Good work on the left hand side by Andy Bain, Theo Colley & Ross Harll combining to create the space for Joe Johnstone to exploit a narrow gap and score in the corner.

59 mins – Try: 28-31

Once again Kieran Goggard was unleashed on the Yarm defensive line – Full Back, Morgan, giving an object lesson in how to bring down a player moving at pace – low, square on tackle and taking his legs – impressive, but sapping
Mowden continued to press – unchallenged scrums clearly working to their advantage. Jake Gardiner chasing down a loose ball to score a fine try, Jack Hudson with the kicking points.

64 mins – Try & Conversion: 28 - 38

Mowden looked to dictate the pace of the game in the final minutes, Yarm always a threat DMP maintained focus to the final whistle – which finally came in the twilight zone!

Full Time: Yarm 28 – 38 Darlington Mowden Park

A thoroughly entertaining game of Rugby, two committed teams and a passionate set of fans. This was a solid performance from every player.

DMP were worthy winners on the morning, with plenty of training ground drills creeping into play – well done.
We thank Yarm for their contribution to a great game and look forward to the return fixture.
A fantastic result, another game played at a high tempo & intensity – the team rewarded for training & effort so far this season. Once again outstanding contributions across the team, man of the match – William Swinbank.

A special mention as to the strength of the squad we are building – Harry Hutchinson turning up to support his teammates despite his serious injury. We wish him a speedy recovery and next year in the U17’s.

Quote of the week: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, Love of what you are doing” - Pele