Hard fought draw

The game started brightly with both teams trying to run the ball whenever possible. Sunderland were the first to show with the outside centre showing good pace and strength to run 60 metres through the DMP defence to score the opening try. DMP responded almost immediately with Tom Dixon gaining an extra 10 metres after tacking a quick penalty inside the Sunderland half. The resulting second penalty was passed along the back line, Sam Shanks made a half-break and released the ball to Sol Kench who jinked his way over the line for an equalising score.

DMP continued to press and after good work by the pack Jack Kennedy set off on a run from 15 metres out, sold a dummy and crashed over for a try which Sol Kench converted. Sunderland didn't taking going behind lying down , with strong defence and attack. After winning good scrum ball in the DMP half, the outside centre set off on another try scoring run through the DMP defence who didn't really have an answer to his strong running.

DMP did respond positively again, winning an opposition line out deep in the Sunderland half. The ball got to Rufus Fox who powered over the line to make the score 17 to 10.

Half-time score 10-17

Despite DMP making a large number of half time changes, the game continued in a similar pattern. Sunderland continued to attack, but some excellent DMP tackling especially from George Todd, Callum Poppitt, Matthew Smith and Rufus Fox kept Sunderland at bay. With a series of scrums in the DMP half it was critical that DMP held firm and Jacob Vickers showed good speed of the scrum to win a couple of loose balls. Sunderland weren't to be held at bay, and on 35 minutes another long run proved fruitful. With the conversion added the scores were levelled.

Both teams tried to win it in the last 10 minutes but couldn't - a well fought draw was a fair result.

Final score 17 - 17

Tries: Sol Kench, Jack Kennedy, Rufus Fox
Conversion: Sol Kench