Return to Form as squad shines

Quarter - Final of the County Cup, and the conditions could not have been much worse. For once the sandy pitches were a real benefit as heavy overnight rain was compounded by gale force conditions and horizontal rain!

Local rivals Yarm were todays opposition, and were no doubt looking to respond following defeat at the hands of DMP earlier in the season. The U16's were looking to return to form after a recent spell of underwhelming performances.

The conditions were going to test both teams handling, Mowden starting the game with the wind at their backs. Jack Hudson launched a good kick downfield resulting in a 22 drop out - Yarm under pressure from the start. The forwards were working the phases with much more urgency, with clean ball quickly recycled. early pressure was rewarded as Kieran Hogg burst through a gap to secure the first points of the morning.
7 mins: Try 5-0
The re-start saw the ball launched deep, but was collected cleanly by Jack Hudson who launched a monster kick (wind assisted!) deep into the Yarm 22. Wing, Matthew Hanmer chased down the Yarm full back, like the prey in the BBC series "The Hunt" - his victim panicked and tossed the ball out of touch. A penalty was awarded, which DMP exploited to the full - Theo Colley breaking clear to score under the posts - Jack Hudson slotting the ball between the uprights for the extras.
10 mins: Try & Conversion 12:-0

Yarm responded with some good midfield moves, but struggled to get out of their own half - the windy conditions playing their part. DMP's forwards were dictating the pace of the game, allowing the backs to run training ground moves - the final pass just short of success.

DMP were playing at a level of intensity which had been missing in recent weeks, driving mauls, great rucking and good scrums - all of which allowed scrum-half William Swinbank to dictate the direction of play. A rare trip into the home 22, saw Yarm run their phases - only for the home defence to hold firm. relieving the pressure Fly Half Jack Hudson, punted another huge kick downfield. Once again, Matthew Hanmer chased the kick down, driving the Yarm full back to the ground, Joe Johnson, with a great supporting run, was able to collect the spoils.
31 mins: Try 22-0