Late Penalty Downs Mowden

DMPRFC matched their opponents Cinderford RFC try for try throughout this away game at their Dockham Road HQ, but the visitors were undone by a 75-minute penalty from home fly half Liam HEMMING, which DMPRFC were unable to replicate or better.

The resulting 5-point win leap frogs Cinderford RFC over DMPRFC to 7th place in the league standings on the basis of more wins, with the two bonus acquired by the visitors keeping them in 8th position, in a very congested National League One table.

With both clubs achieving safety prior to this game and nothing to play for other than club pride, both provided an entertaining ‘end of season’ type game, with both scoring 4 tries apiece, in what was always going to be a close encounter.

The home side struck first after only 2 minutes, when scrum half Ewan FENLEY benefitted from some strong endeavour by No. 8 Harry HONE, dismissing two poor tackle attempts, allowing the former to ‘break the ice’. (5 – 0)Home fly half Liam HEMMING converted (7 – 0) and he was to go on and have a major influence later in the game.

DMPRFC replied quickly, when centre Ollie WALKER found a way through the home defence, gassing them all on his way to crossing for DMPRFC’s first try (7 – 5), which was converted by fly half Garry LAW (7 – 7) after only 5 minutes of play.

Forward power assisted with Cinderford’s second try, when after a series of pick and drives, No. 8 Harry HONE barged his way over the try line, (12 – 7), HEMMING again converting (14 – 7).

As the game approached the interval, DMPRFC grabbed their second try, this time with powerful South African flanker Dave FISHER forcing the touchdown (14 – 12) after a decent run and pass from wing Shaun McCARTNEY and with the difficult conversion missed by LAW, a tight score line remained at oranges.

In a replica of his sides early score in the first half, home centre Terence BABARINSA ran in unopposed after a slick pass, giving Cinderford RFC their third try of the game (19 – 12), this time HEMMING unable to add the extras.

Accordingly, DMPRFC more than matched that effort when winger Shaun McCARTNEY used his power and pace to great effect, answered with their third try, disposing of three ‘would=be’ tacklers on his way to the line. (19 – 17) With LAW adding the conversion, (19 - 19) it was all square with a quarter of the game remaining.

Cinderford’s bonus point try arrived 5 minutes later, when winger Reuben NORVILLE’s skills in mid-field brought reward, evading two tacklers and stretching over, (24 – 17), HEMMING adding the extras. (26 – 19)

Likewise and in keeping with how the game had been played, DMPRFC ‘s bonus point try followed after some powerful progress by scrum half Maia GIBBS, who was cut down just short of the line, before popping the ball up for full back Chris McTURK who was in support and who managed to dot the ball down. (26 – 24) Garry LAW added the conversion (26 – 26) to tie the scores with less than 10 minutes remaining.

When DMPRFC were penalised well within kicking range, HEMMING made no mistake and struck the winner (29 – 26) with DMPRFC unable to respond.

Without a win since early March, DMPRFC will be hoping for something better in the last outing of the league programme at home in the Arena (v Bishop Stortford RFC) in 2 weeks time.