Mowden Win at West Hartlepool

In testing conditions and on a heavy pitch the game was never going to be a classic, but after their recent performances the team went into the game full of confidence.

This looked to be the case straight from the start, as the pack turned over the ball on the edge of the West 22, Rigby quickly got the ball out to Delaidriti who beat two defenders and put a lovely floated pass out to Rogers who crossed in the corner (0-5). After such a great start, expectations were high but this great piece of play proved to be the highlight of the half for DMP.

The remainder proved to be a very scrappy affair, with a lot of knock ons and penalties conceded , particularly by the visitors. DMP spent long periods under the pump, but a fantastic defensive performance led by Law who sent defenders crashing to the ground time and again, kept the home side at bay. Unfortunately though, the pressure told and with DMP down to 14 after a yellow, the West prop went over just on half time (5-5).

The second half resumed in much the same way the first half been played, with DMP camped in their own half and unable to secure much ball for the backline. However, despite their frustrations, the team fought for each other all the way with every player stepping up to the plate and making tackles against a big West Pack.

Mid way through the half, DMP finally secured some ball from their own scrum and Drought went wide, taking 3 or 4 defenders to bring him down on the West 22. Delaidriti picked the ball up quickly and went blind, to make the score (5-10).

West roared back and only a fantastic last-ditch tackle by Pascoe prevented a try from the West winger, whilst magnificent defence throughout the team thwarted repeated West attacks.

With the game moving into the last few minutes and with the opposition now encamped in the DMP 22, West made one last charge which was snuffed out once again by Law and Stokell, forcing the West player into an infringement and allowing the ref to blow for full time as the clock went red.

Not our greatest display and there will be lots to work on in training, but the team should take heart that they came out on the right side of a tough game against a strong and powerful team. Our defense was solid and everyone put a shift in.

MOTM – Grayson Law. The ‘Lumberjack’ led a Rorke’s drift defence of the DMP tryline, repeatedly chopping down and felling attackers left right and centre with his incredible tackling technique. Well done Grayson