DMP Clinch Brickfields Win

Photo Credit - Peter Redmond

Darlington Mowden Park recorded an away win at Brickfields for the first time since November 2015 in what was a standout team performance. Garry Law’s side ran in two converted tries in each half, coming back from an early 14-0 deficit to take a hard fought bonus point win.

Things looked ominous for the visitors early on, with Albion scoring two tries inside the opening 15 minutes with the wind at their backs. The first came in unusual fashion as captain Jack Oulton sprinted over after the ball squirmed out of a midfield ruck, despite cries for a forward pass from the travelling DMP faithful. Plymouth’s second followed soon after, as Hallum Chapman latched onto an overthrown lineout to power clear from 25 metres out. Connor Eastgate converted both of Albion’s first half tries to give his side a 14 point lead. Mowden looked to have halved the deficit when Max Fraine was held up over the line from a driving maul, but the Kiwi hooker didn’t have to wait long for his try as a second catch and drive rumbled over in the opposite corner minutes later. Callum Pascoe converted, before the hosts camped themselves in the DMP half in search of a third try. Mowden defended well though, and levelled the scores on the eve of half time. First it was Obi Ene who broke clear on his first start for the club, taking play up to the Albion 22 before Ben Frankland finished well from close range. Once again Pascoe added the extras, taking the score to 14-14 at the interval.

The start to the second half saw Plymouth on the front foot, with a series of phases inside the DMP 22. Again Mowden’s defence held firm, even when a Plymouth 2-on-1 was thwarted by Ene who intercepted on his own 5m line. After some more territory Albion eventually edged back in front with a penalty from Tom Putt on the 55 minute mark. Playing the second half with the wind, the rest of the second half was dominated by DMP who enjoyed the lions share of the territory and possession. Mowden were held up over the line for a second time as Harry Yates was denied, but once again they didn’t have to wait long as the resulting goalline drop out was returned with interest by Ene for a brilliant individual score. Pascoe converted brilliantly from the touchline, edging Mowden 4 points clear heading into the final stages. The next score for either side would prove decisive, and it was Mowden who got it to put the result beyond any doubt. Pascoe started and finished the move, chipping ahead for Yaree Fantini to gather before sniping over a few phases later. The scrum half converted his own try to round off a brilliant team showing, and a Man of the Match performance personally.

The result was testament to a tireless performance across the board, with Mowden’s defence once again impressing against one of the league most prolific attacks. The result marked the latest landmark away win of the season, against a very strong Plymouth Albion side who were previously undefeated at home in 2023/24.

Mowden now return to the Arena on Saturday for the first of two consecutive home games. They welcome Blackheath to the North East on 3rd February, before Richmond make the trip North on the 10th.