Driffield 1st XV V Bradford & Bingley RUFC, Sat 02/09/17
So here we are, where did the summer go? Thankfully the rugby is back, and what a 1st game as we welcome Bradford & Bingley to Kelleythorpe.
By all accounts Driffield have had a great pre-season; numbers at training have been high, and three wins from three has been an ideal platform. The friendlies started with wins at home against Scarborough, then Pocklington – both were close games, Driffield winning by a couple of points on both occasions. Last week the squad travelled to Market Rasen & Louth RUFC, who play in the same division but in the Midland Leagues. We won that by 30 points. So a good couple of run outs, no major injuries reported and plenty of players. All looks good.
I can only find 1 warm-up game for Bradford & Bingley (Bees); that was away at Kirby Lonsdale on 17/08. Kirby winning 51 – 0.
Looking at previous years, they will be a tough outfit. Last season it was all square, with home advantage taking the honours on both occasions. We won 16 – 9 at Kelleythorpe, whilst Bees won 39 – 12 at theirs. Having spent 4 seasons in National 3 North, Bees started a downward spiral which saw us cross paths in North One East in the 14/15 season. We again shared the points with both sides winning at home. Bees dropped to Yorkshire 1 for 2015/16, but that was their low point, as they re-grouped and finished top of the pile, losing only one game in the process.
Last season saw Bees push on, and for much of the season looked as though they might push for promotion places. Eventually falling away and finishing 6th, 1 point and place behind us.
Driffield will run out with new Captain Rob Mewburn for the first time in league action. I’m sure he is looking forward to leading the team out.
Alex Piercy has fully recovered from last seasons knee injury and starts on the wing along side Gary Stephenson. Ryan Murray makes a welcome return to Driffield, starting at full back, and Ben Dearing starts his 1st game at 10. In the forwards, a super-slim and fit Pettinger starts, alongside Blenkinsop & Brumfield. Dodds partners Cooper, whilst Turner keeps the Mewburn brothers company in the back row. The bench is filled with experience and knowledge; Dervey & Robinson bring the experience, Nellen the knowledge.
2nd team start their season with a tough trip to Scunthorpe. Having been a few short earlier in the week, I have been told that we will now have at least 16 making the trip. Good luck to you all.
Kick-off is 3pm. Don’t forget it is Family Day at the club with a curtain-raiser of Driffield U16s v Ionians U16s. The U6 and U7s have taster sessions on the 4G most of the day. There will be a guard of honour for the 1st team game, and cross bar challenge at some point, plus BBQ, Bouncy Castle and so much more. FREE ENTRY Before 2pm if you bring your child, £5 per adult after.
Good luck to every one.
1 Pettinger, 2 Brumfield, 3 Blenkinsop
4 Cooper, 5 Dodds
6 Turner, 7 R Mewburn, 8 G Mewburn
9 Gray, 10 Dearing
12 Dench, 13 Furbank
11 Stephenson, 14 Piercy, 15 Ryan Murray
16 Robinson, 17 Nellen, 18 Dervey