Driffield run in 11 against Guisborough
Driffield entertained opponents from Guisborough at the weekend. Following a run of recent disappointments, the team were desperate to get a win under their belts. Recent injury absences were compounded with 6 regulars unavailable due to the Cumbrian wedding. The issue for the coaching team was to find a winning selection, and Ben Blacker, Harrison Dodds and Charlie Beachell returned from university for the match. Robinson returned to play at scrum half with Grant and Sadler in the centre. In a tactical move, Sheader moved onto the wing. Nellen and Waterhouse started as props with Blenkinsop on the bench. Guisborough themselves have been beset by injury and had managed just the one win so far this term.
From the kick-off Driffield took the offensive and after only a minute of play got their first try; from a ruck, Sheader was fed the ball and broke down the right wing. His inside pass was snapped up by Sadler to score the try. The conversion was missed.
Next, Brigham ran a good line to score under the posts, celebrating with his customary swallow dive. He duly converted.
Guisborough lost a player to the bin and they would soon suffer the consequences. Driffield continued to monopolise possession and Brumfield managed his customary strike against the head. From quick ruck ball, Sadler made a good break through midfield. This lead to a penalty to Driffield. A quick tap and go by Robinson was handed onto Mewburn, who dived over for the try. Driffield 19 Guisborough 0
It was all Driffield now, and Guisborough were struggling to contain their quick movement and linking play. A quick burst by Robinson and his subtle chip through was hacked on by Sheader. With the ball bobbling over the Guisborough try line, Sheader was tackled off the ball, and the referee went straight under the posts for the penalty try. It was hard to keep Sheader out of the game. He has a poaching style on the wing, roaming the pitch looking for the ball. Following a good break by him, his inside pass put Blacker under the posts for his try. Driffield 33 Guisborough 0.
On 33 minutes Blenkinsop replaced Waterhouse in the front row. Guisborough managed to make a rare incursion into Driffield territory. A good run by their centre, assisted by some uncharacteristically poor tackling by Driffield led to some pressure on the Driffield line. Guisborough scored the try and a short while later added to this when they moved the ball quickly to beat the Driffield defence out wide. Driffield 33 Guisborough 12.
Robinson was settling in well at scrum-half. He started to provide good service to Brigham and made use of his powerful boot with clearance kicks. At half time Murray replaced Grant, who had done well in his unaccustomed role in the centre. The score moved on again when Dodds plunged over following quick ruck ball. Murray was soon on the score sheet. Following a line out, the ball was moved left with quick hands and Dinsdale timed his pass perfectly to put Murray over. Brigham added the points with a difficult conversion. Driffield 47 Guisborough 12.
Robinson soon got in on the act with a good try under the posts. The pack were playing their part in this game; the scrummage has recently shown improvement, although it must be said the Guisborough pack were lacking the power of recent opposition. Blacker had a couple of good runs late on, but the ball went agonisingly forward on both occasions. Both Beachell, and Walgate were busy in the loose, and following some good interplay Dinsdale scored, again converted by Brigham. Guisborough responded when their second row forward got over the line for their third try.
Driffield 59 Guisborough 19.
From a scrum Blacker was given the ball and following a mazy run scored. Then, Dinsdale after a good burst was nearly able to get Murray over for his second try, but the winger knocked on with the line at his mercy. Blacker added the last try following a mix up in the Guisborough defence. Final score Driffield 73 Guisborough 19
This win was just what Driffield needed. It gave game time to newer squad members, who showed without exception that they all have the ability to play first team football. As a unit, the front row combinations all worked tirelessly. With next opponents, Bradford and Bingley away on Saturday, nobody will be underestimating that task. Their victory at Malton this week defines how they will challenge the Driffield pack. They will have to step up to another level, particularly in the tight. If this can be achieved, the team have the ability to get a victory.