U14s turn on the style vs Old Boys

The team started the game with some real intent, locking ‘Pool in their own 22 for the opening 10 of the game. Eventually the pressure told - a powerful Mowden scrum secured possession and Drought took a crash ball, breaking the gain line only to be held up 5 metres short. The DMP pack ran two quick phases before Brown fed Deladriti who beat 2 men to go under the posts. Brown converted (0-7)

DMP were soon back in the opposition 22 again, but an infringement allowed the Pool no 8 to take a quick tap and charge right up the pitch before being felled just short by some scrambled DMP defence. Another infringement in the ensuing ruck gave ‘Pool a scrum, and the same player picked up and broke through 4 tackles to go over the line which he then converted (7-7)

Pool were now coming into the game more and more and showed real power in the ruck, repeatedly securing possession and keeping play narrow. The DMP pack were putting in hit after hit with every member of the pack landing some big shots, but turnover chances were limited.

Eventually, some ball was secured in midfield and moved along the back line into the opposition 22, where Law took the ball at first receiver to power over just on half time. (7-12)

The second half began with the words of the Coaches ringing in the lads ears – to play our own game and move the ball wide.
From a ‘Pool scrum, Captain Myers flattened the scrum half and secured the ball which was shipped out to Drought who made 40 m before being taken out with a high tackle. A quick tap was fed to Bearpark who bulldozed through the defence leaving Myers to finish the move he started with a pick and go. Brown added the conversion (7-19).

The DMP pack, clearly benefitting from the recent assistance of DMP scrum legend Lee Gill, were now starting to turn the screw. The tight 5 were an irresistible force in the set piece, and took a ‘Pool scrum against the head, to set Drought free who ran over from 40 yards. Brown again converted (7-26)

Myers and Drought quickly added further converted tries, the second after great work from Heywood who scooped up a grubber kick one handed, stepped the oncoming defender and took 3 more with him as he set up the ruck ( 7-40).

The final play of the game brought the biggest cheer from the DMP fans. With the pack starting to suffer from try line fever, Brown who had been pulling the strings at 10 all game, send a long pass to Graham who crossed in the corner for his first Park try. (7-45).

A great result in a match that was a lot tighter than the score might suggest. It was a tough physical encounter and Hartlepool certainly made their presence felt but every member of the DMP team fronted up and met the challenge. The pack were brilliant, making plenty of massive tackles against a big pack and rucking and counter rucking strongly all game, whilst the back line moved the ball well and with accuracy all day.

MOTM – two MOTM’s today. Grayson Law was picked out by the ‘Pools coaches for his incredible counter rucking and aggressive display, whilst the DMP coaches awarded Noah Heywood the honour after an awesome display of power at tight head combined with a proper solid shift in the loose. Well done lads.

Also, a special shout out to ‘the Master of the Ruck’, Oliver Ward who very sadly sustained a broken collar bone in the match today. Wardy has been playing fantastic lately and it’s a real shame for him, but we all know he’ll be back fighting fit and stronger than ever, soon enough. Get well soon Wardy.

Report by Tristan Drought