An early morning start for parents & players alike as DMP made the long trip across the moors to kick the season off at Scarborough. A fantastic coastal setting with great views across to the headland to Scarborough Castle silhouetted against the pale blue sky.

DMP kicked off, Scarborough collecting easily but met quickly by the boys in blue & white. Scarborough conceded possession giving Mowden the put in at the scrum. A somewhat scruffy affair, No8 Harry Powell picked up, off loaded to Matthew Hanmer with scrum half William Swinbank on hand to exploit the gap. First points of the U16 season – 2 minutes on the clock.
Kieran Hogg narrowly missed the conversion, striking the underside of the bar.

2 mins – Try: 0-5

Scarborough were stung into action – from the re-start collecting and driving deep into DMP’s half, half tackles allowing the hosts to make progress up-field. Scarborough probed with a number of angled cross field kicks targeting the full back. The visitors regrouped, but were lucky not to concede, as the referee spotted a knock on.
Panic reigned across the backs as Scarborough stretched the play and kicked again, only to be caught off-side. Against the run of play Joe Johnstone intercepted a loose pass and sprinted into the gap to break clear and score a fine individual try. Jack Hudson claiming the extras and easing the tension on the field.

10 mins – Try & Conversion: 0 - 12

DMP’s forwards looked sluggish despite all the pre-season work. Scarborough were quicker to the breakdown, driving the visitors back, wrapping up play and securing turnovers – the score flattered Mowden. DMP were slow to protect the player and the ball, clumsy passing, with the ball too often presented behind the supporting players.
Scarborough deservedly reduced the deficit on 17 minutes, after a sustained period of pressure and much to the delight of a vociferous home support, with a converted try.

17 mins – Try & Conversion: 7-12

Scarborough continued to set the pace, Tom Anderson unlucky not to capitalise as a pass was judged to have been forward. DMP worked hard to contain the waves of Scarborough forwards who were collecting too much uncontested ball, and when running with the ball failing to support the runners allowing the hosts easy turnover ball.
Scarborough continued to out-ruck the visitors who were eventually rewarded with a second converted try on 27 minutes
.
27 mins – Try & Conversion: 14-12

On 31 minutes both teams were reduced to 14 players, DMP’s Harry Powell was shown a red card, whilst a Scarborough player a yellow – handbags at dawn!
The half drifted beyond the scheduled 35 minutes as the referee had allowed for a number of stoppages, with DMP profiting from the extra time.
Joe Johnstone benefiting from a well worked series of drives by the forwards before escaping the attentions of the home defence – Jack Hudson netting the conversion.

36 mins – Try & Conversion: 14-17

DMP finished the half stronger, with Josh Armstrong powering through to score under the posts after a sustained drive from the forwards.

40 mins – try & Conversion: 14 -24

The referee blew for half time, DMP surprisingly ahead with a surge of points at the end of the half.
Half time saw DMP ring the changes, Theo Colley making his comeback from a broken collar bone and a debut for new signing Thomas Eddison.

The second period saw Scarborough with a numerical advantage and the hosts pressing their advantage in the early periods. DMP weathered sustained periods of pressure, being a man down however galvanised the team’s efforts, Head Coach Del Russell actively encouraging the boys to greater endeavours, desperately ensuring the team held its shape.
Scarborough were unlucky not to post points before Kieran Hogg broke free to add further to DMP’s tally. Sam Anderson collecting the conversion.

56 mins – Try & Conversion: 14-31

DMP were now playing with renewed confidence, moving the ball swiftly across the backs, exploiting the gaps as the home team tired. The forwards failed to exert pressure and continued to play second fiddle to Scarborough who were much more committed to contact.
Sam Anderson eventually showed a clean pair of heels, breaking free down the left hand side, Jack Hudson’s great effort just drifting wide of the upright.

60 mins – Try & Conversion: 14-38

DMP were finishing the game strongly as Ross Harll teamed up with Matthew Hanmer before sprinting through a tight gap to score a fine individual. An easy conversion for Sam Anderson.

64 mins – Try & Conversion: 14- 45

Scarborough handed DMP a final lesson in pace, whilst the visitors were still congratulating each other, Scarborough restarted and collected an uncontested ball, cutting through Mowdens’ defence like a hot knife through butter.

66 mins – Try: 19:45
A further lack of concentration as DMP were caught napping again – Scarborough finishing the game with some renewed energy, carving through the defence with ease.

69 mins – Try: 24-45

The match official continued to find time, before finally bringing the match to a close.
A well contested match between two committed teams. DMP endured half the game with only 14 players – a message to all that discipline is key when playing as a team.
We thank Scarborough for their Hospitality, wish them every success across the season and look forward to the return fixture next February.
Overall a great start to the season, a closer match than the score suggests with both teams producing some memorable moves. Outstanding individual performances, but for me the Man of the Match award goes to the “TEAM”.

Quote of the week: “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress: working together is success”