With the team bolstered by new recruits, this match had been eagerly anticipated, and the visitors did not disappoint.

The game started with both teams locked in a tight contest. The first ten minutes were evenly matched, with strong defensive efforts from both sides keeping the play largely between the 22s. However, it was DMP who broke the deadlock. A slick passing sequence involving Brown and Cavill set up debutant Routledge, who powered over in the corner to put DMP on the board.

DMP continued to apply pressure, and soon after, they were nearly in again, only for Routledge to be held up over the line. However, a mistake at the resulting goal-line dropout gave DMP a 5-meter scrum. A solid platform allowed No. 8 Sam Lane to pick up from the base and crash over, with Brown adding the conversion to extend the lead.

Ripon responded with a well-worked try of their own, capitalizing on a turnover and moving the ball wide to score in the corner. However, DMP quickly regained control. From the restart, a strong tackle by Rogers allowed the pack to turn over the ball in the ruck. Rigby fed Lane who made a powerful run before offloading to Law, who advanced the ball to the 22. The ball was then moved quickly by the back line to Routledge to cross for his second try of the match.

The second third continued in the same vein as the first. DMP's forwards were becoming dominant and made significant ground up field. The ball was worked to Campbell on the wing, who danced past three defenders to notch with an excellent finish. Cavill struck a superb conversion from out wide.

DMP's dominance continued as this time Ashton made a 50-yard break down the blindside. Ripon were penalised at the breakdown, and Park kicked for touch. From the lineout, Law broke the line and offloaded to Rogers, who dotted down under the posts. Although Ripon fought back with a period of sustained pressure that resulted in a try, DMP immediately responded. Cavill capitalized on confusion in the Ripon defence to scoop up a loose ball and score.

The highlight of the match came just before the end of the second third, with DMP scoring a fantastic team try. The ball was carried, recycled, and moved wide multiple times, dragging Ripon defenders across the pitch before Captain Insall touched down under the posts.
The final third saw DMP continue their relentless attack. Drought finished strongly to add another try, which he converted himself. Patterson produced a piece of wizardry, as he picked up a loose ball, and sniped round the ruck before sending Rogers over for his second try.

With Ripon now struggling with injuries and some DMP players switching sides to even the numbers, Drought added two more tries, including one fine effort from his own 22, one of which Lane converted with the final score of the day.

This was an excellent team performance, with every player contributing to the victory. The lads executed their game plan with precision and demonstrated exceptional teamwork throughout the match which is great to see at such an early stage in the season. However, still plenty to work on in training this week! Fair play to Ripon who were missing several players and who never gave up. We wish them all the best for the season ahead.

Man of the Match: Sam Lane
Sam was outstanding, showcasing powerful running, excellent handling skills, and brilliant defence. His all-around performance set the tone for a superb team display.

Well done to all the players on a fantastic start to the season!

Match report by Tristan Drought