Billingham vs DMP

Billingham (a) 21 Sept 2014

The game started brightly with both teams showing a willingness to play a passing game. DMP pressure down the right wing quickly told with firstly Sol Kench freeing Sam Berry to go over for a try in the 4th minute and then two minutes later the roles were reversed with Sol opening his account for DMP following good work by Sam.

Billingham attempted to get back into the game through strong midfield running but each time they tried to break out over the halfway line they hit resolute DMP defending in midfield led by Dylan Sharp. DMP looked dangerous every time they had the ball and good interplay in midfield gave John Grey the chance to break and go over for a try which was successfully converted. This was followed on 20 minutes by further solid DMP defence which led to turnover ball from which the ball fell to Dylan Sharp who showed great pace on a solo run through the Billingham defence. As half time approached the DMP forwards started exerting pressure on the Billingham line with Tom Dixon and Ezra Laundry-Blair going close before the ball was recycled to Lyle Godfrey to crash over for a converted try.

Half time score 0 - 29

As DMP showed great strength in depth with a host of personnel changes the pattern of the game continued the same. After good handling and strong running from the backs DMP broke down the right wing, the ball being fed inside to John Grey who showed good awareness to pick out the supporting run of Tom Dixon for a debut try.

Further strong midfield running and trickery freed up James Garlick who danced his way over for a try under the posts which was followed by Joe Berry crashing over for a try too.

As the Billingham side manfully stuck at the task in open play, DMP started to dominate set pieces, taking a number of scrums against the head. Billingham were increasing the pressure in open play but kept hitting strong DMP defence with George Todd, Regan Godfrey and Jacob Vickers showing strength from the bench. It was from turnover ball that Will Todd set off on a dazzling run down the right. Faced with cover defence his intelligent kick resulted in Lyle going over for his second try. As full time approached Billingham continued to press, but it was DMP who again broke with Will deservedly scoring with the last play of the game.

Final score 0 - 62

Thanks to Billingham for their hospitality!

Tries: Sam Berry, Sol Kench, John Grey, Dylan Sharp, Lyle Godfrey (2), Tom Dixon, James Garlick, Joe Berry, Will Todd
Conversions: John Grey, Will Todd (3), Sam Berry (2)

Man of the match: John Grey