Colts (U18s)
Matches
Sun 26 Jan 2020  ·  North
Penrith RUFC Ltd
Colts (U18s)
Tries: E Smith, A Rattray, T KirkConversions: M Irving (2)Penalties: M Irving (2)
20
23
DMP
Colts v DMP

Colts v DMP

Vince Campbell30 Jan 2020 - 12:53
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https://www.penrithrufc.org.uk

A Bruising Battle

Penrith v DMP

A top of the league clash sounded like it would be an mouth-watering clash and that it was. Darlington Mowden Park was sitting top of the league having played one more game and picked up extra points for three away wins. The match was as close as it gets, a game of two halves, DMP took an early lead but we managed two converted tries within minutes of each other to finish the first half with a 9-point buffer, 14 – 5. In the second half, DMP took full advantage of a catalogue of errors that allowed them to run in two tries of their own. They were a well-organised team, strong in the tackle and good ball carriers, on balance they made fewer errors that turned over possession. They closed the gap and then took a three-point lead into the final quarter. We managed to claw level twice with a draw looking likely, but in the dying minutes the visitor’s pressure in front of the posts was again rewarded with a penalty, final score 20 – 23.

DMP kicked off and set the early pace pinning us back in our half for the opening exchanges. Our defence stood the test and started to settle in, the forwards were doing the hard yards to press the visitors back into their half. DMP opened their account from a penalty throw-in on our 5m. A catch, drive and peel from the back by a big prop gave our lone defender little chance, 0 – 5. We responded well from the re-start, our pack tackled and drove the visitors back who resorted to a clearing kick and chase. A rare handling error was scooped up a carried deep into DMP’s half. A missed penalty to touch and then a 22m drop-out by the visitors saw some more excellent play. Flanker, Josh Winder repeatedly smashed over the gain-line on the fringes as we strung together several rucks. A pop ball to a charging Ed Smith at inside centre rounded off a great team effort. With two tacklers in tow his strength and momentum drove him over, Fly-half Matty Irving added the extras, 7 – 5.

We started to move the ball around to good effect. Scrumhalf, Hugh Burne also made good use of the boot, box kicks and chip kicks that found space. A chip and chase then collect rounded of another phase. With the defence at sixes and sevens an offload to hooker, Ben Riley gave him an easy run to the line. The ball was deemed to be dropped so DMP had a 5m scrum. Hugh was again as sharp as ever, he tackled the number 8 pick-up early and flanker Archie Rattray was on him like a limpet jostling for the ball. The ref's whistle blew, Archie had the presence of mind to rip the ball, stepped back to the mark, tapped and drove over the short yards to make amends for the earlier error just minutes previously. We finished the first half with an Ed Smith long-distance penalty kick attempt central on half-way. It had the legs but drifted to the left of the upright.

We started the second half as we fished the first half. From a good attacking position with a 5m penalty lineout our throw-in was deemed not straight to give DMP a 5m scrum put in. Their scrumhalf eluded three tackles then carried up onto our 10m, their support was good and along with quick ball they had the opportunity to move it out wide. The pacey left wing was tackled well by fullback, Olly Bibby but the offload rounded off some good work, 14 – 10. DMP had stepped up their game and were cashing in on our increasing penalty count. A tap and go from 10m out gave their big, bearded prop a second crash over try, 14 – 17. As the clock ran down both sides resorted to penalty kicks for points, Matty levelled the scores with one and then hooked another to the left of the post’s minutes later. The game was now very open with both sides spinning the ball wide at every opportunity. The penalty kicking tennis continued as the visitors slotted the next from a high tackle. Matty again pulled the scores level to 20 – 20. Another high tackle within easy kicking was another invitation for an easy three points, 20 – 23. In the remaining minute's we pressed hard with good pressure on the visitors 5m they were on their heels as a last-minute try looked likely, but a knock-on in a ruck was the final act of the game.

A wonderfully entertaining game that went down to the wire. They were a very good side, but we were equal to them in every department, well done to all the lads. The season is far from over and we still have some tough games ahead, most away from home now. Let’s dig in and keep this momentum going forward.

A sterling job and a massive thanks to the referee Malcolm Judge for stepping in last minute to cover as the designated ref was injured the day before.

Match details

Match date

Sun 26 Jan 2020

Kickoff

13:00

Competition

North

League position

1
DMP
3
Penrith
Team overview
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