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Aggressive Defence and Opportunism in Attack for Driffield.
Published: 14/02/2010
Tremendous away effort to win.
Aggressive defence and opportunism in attack.
This performance must rank as the best this season by Driffield, they started the game as though their life depended upon it. Aggressive defence and a willingness to hunt the ball by the pack led to a memorable display by the whole team. The threequarters and half backs were a revelation, looking yards faster than the opposition and latching on to any chances that came their way.
It was only 5 mins on the clock when Thompson, although tackled, managed to get the ball away to the supporting Birch, who ran over the line but could not convert. Durham 0 – Driffield 5.
Grey was kicking well from the base and showing fine leadership. After 15 mins Birch kicked a penalty. City 0 – Driff 8.
A couple of minutes later, Durham attacked from just inside their own half, but the ever alert McLarron, intercepted a pass and ran in for a surprising try which Birch converted. City 0 – Driff 15.
Although City were a big side and appeared to have lots of experience, Driffield continued to attack them and always looked the most likely to score. It had been 20 mins of the game before City put together an attack and reached the Driff 22. This was thwarted by a good tackle by Birch. Ollett nearly got away and only a despairing tap tackle by his opposite number halted the move. Unfortunately, Ollett appeared to pull a muscle in this move and soon after he was replaced by Short. It was good to see him again in the 1st team, and he had a good game in defence and attack.
There was a moment of panic as City started to get into the game and took a heal against the head in the Driff 22, but the danger was cleared by a good turnover. Driff went back on the attack, Havler was involved on the burst and the ball went out to Short who took his chance well and squeezed in at the right corner for Birch to make an excellent conversion. City 0 – Driff 22. Birch also kicked a penalty on half time to make the score at the interval City 0 – Driff 25.
Driffield were urged by their coaches not to let this lead slip in the new half, and they continued to control the game. Sam Beachell made a typical rumbustious break and was backed up by Grey who went in under the posts for Birch to convert. City 0 – Driff 32.
Paul Dervey had an injury to his eye and was replaced at prop by Llewellyn, this did not weaken the pack who continued to tackle any City play that moved and produce good ball to Captain Grey, who had a fine leadership game. O.Cooper was also replaced by Chris Bradshaw, who surprised the opposition by making deep inroads into the City half as his first contribution. Driff were awarded a penalty, and the ever alert Wright was away and under the City posts for a smart try which Birch converted. City 0 – Driff 39.
A Durham kick ahead was fielded by McLarron, who made ground and a Tait-like reverse pass went to Wright. 5 men attempted to tackle Wright but to no avail and he scored a very well taken try, too far out for conversion. City 0 – Driff 44.
Durham did try to open things out but were always being cut down with great tackles. It is unfair to pick anyone out for defensive work, but mention must be made of Wright for his contribution. Grey was always in the thick of things, securing poor ball, and steadying the ship, but this was a team effort. Just before the final whistle, Birch was injured, and had to come off, leaving Driff with 14 men, as all the replacements had been used. It was the hope that a clean sheet could be kept by Driff, but right on the final whistle, Short had a kick charged down and full back Thompson collected the ball to score with Hitchcock converting. Final score Durham City 7 – Driffield 44.
It is some time since this writer has seen a better performance from Driffield. They seemed to have a great appetite for the game, so lacking at Brods a fortnight ago. Right from the kick off, they showed a hunger for the loose ball and tackled with venom for all the 80 minutes. Although out weighted by City, they gave as good as they got and more. In the pack, it is difficult to single out individuals, as the eight played so well, Boreman, returning from injury, showed his leadership qualities and came through the game in tact. If one must be critical, the lineout throwing at times was very crooked.
The backs were tremendous in defence and attack, showing pace that Durham could not cope with. Wright was outstanding in all facets of the game, and McGregor showed growing maturity and his kicking from hand was much improved. Birch entered the line with real pace, and let us hope his injury is not serious. His brother on a crutch on the touchline must have been impressed with the Driffield backs.
Grey, was always there to set the line in motion and to tidy up all the bad ball, which is such an asset in a scrum half. A thoroughly enjoyable game for Driffield, and their supporters who had made the long journey. A home game next week against Gateshead is looked forward to, and everyone is hopeful that Driffield will continue in the same vein.
Ian Douglas.
