DMP RFC U16’s V Darlington RFC U16’s

With the Christmas break now being a distant memory, but the lasting effects of all the chocolate eaten over that period still being visible, the team travelled the short distance down the road to its neighbour and friend, Darlington RFC at Blackwell Meadows. This was the first opportunity for both teams to meet during this season and it was anticipated to be a tough but well spirited contest.
Following a brief warm up by both teams on a somewhat sloping / strangely angled pitch that resembled a mud swamp, the game soon kicked off and straight away, Darlington RFC were threatening as they were quick to close down the attacking run from DMP. Due to the poor conditions, and especially with the ball being covered in mud, a number of handling errors quickly ensued from both sides, resulting in a number of scrums and lineouts. These restarts provided both teams the opportunity to test their opposition’s character under pressure resulting in some fierce competition for the ball.

As the first half played through, following periods of intense pressure by DMP, a number of try’s and conversions were soon on the score board. This attacking display by DMP rarely centered on one area of the pitch, which saw the ball being kept alive by the team showcasing some wonderful handling and attacking runs which came about from great support play, communication, discipline and foresight to attack the Darlington gain line. Darlington U16’s kept threatening throughout the first half and with some well-chosen kicks by their 10, they continued putting DMP U16’s under pressure close to the DMP 22 meter line. As the first half drew to a close, following a lineout error by DMP, which awarded Darlington U16’s a scrum 5 meters out from the DMP try line, they soon pressed DMP U16’s backwards and were rewarded with a well-deserved try and conversion.

Upon commencing the second half, DMP were now attacking down the slope, which aided the pace of the teams ‘speed snakes’ as they continued attacking the gain lines. The entire team working together in a display of team cohesion produced phases of play which afforded DMP numerous opportunities to apply pressure onto the now tiring Darlington team, resulting in additional try’s and conversions being placed onto the score board. With the game swinging in DMP’s favour, Darlington refused to give in and contested every breakdown with fierce appetite which brought them close to scoring on a number of occasions, however, only the strong defence work by DMP stopped them adding to the score board. Following the final whistle being blown by the very clean referee, both teams left the pitch; however, you could be forgiven for not knowing which players belonged to which team as both teams had become undistinguishable due to the mud.

Well done to everyone for their efforts throughout the game as the try scorers could not have crossed the line without everyone’s effort, determination and support. We wish those players that received minor injuries a very speedy recovery and we welcomed Big Will back to the team following a lengthy absence due to his injury received last year.

DMP may have secured the win, but the score didn't reflect the determination and commitment shown by Darlington and both teams should be proud of their efforts throughout the game. Thank you to Darlington RFC for hosting the game and we look forward to hosting a return fixture before the end of the season.