Match Preview

Sunday 4th February sees the lads take on Consett RFC U15 in the quarter final of Durham County RFC plate. In the first round of the cup both teams lost by 55 points: to Durham and Yarm, both very strong opponents. The game should be close. DMP have home advantage and the pressure is off them as Head Coach, Paul Gilbert, and Forwards Coach, Mark Doswell, are on international spectator duty. In unusual preparation for the game the coaches have also taken fathers of Jonny Hill, (forward), Danny Wild (full back) and Billy Maull (captain).

The team and remaining coaches were given instructions by Gilbert on Wednesday who made his strong selection before leaving for Rome. He is usually tight lipped about pre-match announcements and was rumoured to be more than a little concerned that team selection leaked.

DMP have their strongest lock pairing of Gilbert (T) and Chalmers (W) back together, and Wild at full back; a position he was selected for County level whilst playing at school but has never played for DMP. Stratton’s strong running will be tried at outside centre for the first time. Man of the Match against Billingham, Taylor (Hooker) is fully fit. Villiers (J) has his first start in the front row. There is also strength in depth with players like the versatile Robson, Turnbull, Ellis and Chambers on the bench.

Mobile phone connections to Rome before and during the game could be key. The team will need encouragement but no distraction. How long and how many are connected after the game will depend on the result.