DMP v West Hartlepool

The first half:
From the kick off DMP battle forwards pinning the West Hartlepool side back on their 22 line showing real positive intent and determination. The DMP forwards looking strong against a big WH forward pack, Matty White making good ground with ball in hand and solid support from Innes Hill, Will Hickerson and Sam Shanks to set the platform for Joe Berry to power over the try line, first blood to DMP 5-0 DMP.

WH apply good pressure looking to secure the second score they are awarded a free kick for DMP hands on the ball illegally in the ruck WH are at the DMP 5 m line with a line out but fail to keep it straight on entry, scrum down DMP put in. DMP can’t be shifted with plenty of power and good scrummaging manage to clear their lines and manage to force a WH knock on DMP put in at the half way line. DMP continue to press through their powerful forward pack. WH defend well and win a free kick but fail to use it to their advantage DMP nick the ball and move it quickly to the wing to form the overlap and for Cameron Wrench to score the try. 10-0 to DMP.

With 5 mins of the first half remaining WH work well through the phases desperate to score but DMP resist through excellent defensive work from Will Thompson, Ezra LB, Rob Carney and Louie Groak. DMP clear their lines and the whistle blows, Great first half from two well matched teams. 10-0 to DMP.

Second half

Both sides start the second half well battling it out in midfield. WH press forward and put DMP on the back foot for a period. WH break through with a grubber kick and run for the try line, DMP scramble in defence and get fingers to the ball, scrum to WH at the DMP 5 m line. Once again a good solid scrum from both sides, WH with the attacking position break off the back of the scrum to score and convert 10-7 to DMP… Game on !!

The next 15 mins pass with no score, both teams competing and cancelling each other out in midfield until Rob Carney, Ben Turnbull and Louie Groak link up and move the ball with speed to the wing taking play up to the WH 22 with a DMP line out. DMP secure the ball from the line out and display real team man ship and commitment supporting each other to set up a strong run from Harry Wilson to power over for the try. 15-7 DMP.
With only 10 mins or so remaining DMP dominate through a strong display by the DMP forward pack. The game being played around the WH 22 line until a well timed interception by one of the WH centres running the length of the pitch to score. 15-14 to DMP with 5mins remaining.

Both sides knowing that the next score would secure the win give 100 % but DMP have an extra gear and press to the WH 22 before being awarded a free kick. With a great attacking platform DMP can smell the victory and with ball in hand Joe Berry powers through to nail the game finishing 20-14 to DMP .

Well done lads a well earned result from a solid performance.. Showing good form to take forward to the County Cup round 2 next week !!!