Young guns maintain unbeaten home record
A much-changed Driffield side welcomed Percy Park to Kelleythorpe on Saturday. A crucial test awaited the young Woldsmen, with Park starting the day above Driffield in the table and both sides anxious for the points in this most competitive league.
Driffield started into the wind and received the kick off, fronting up to another sizeable opposition pack. Showing a template for the remainder of the game, Driffield moved the ball wide for Stephenson to make an electric break, drawing the full back to release Murray who was hauled down just short of the line. The first five minutes were all Driffield with constant pressure on the Park line leading to Burns being held up just short. A relieving kick gave Park field position where the opposition centre made a sharp break to earn a penalty which was converted. They repeated that feat shortly after when pressure on the home scrum earned them another penalty.
At 6-0 down against the run of play, young heads could have dropped. Credit to the home side who struck back with a nice break from Brigham putting Sowersby over near the posts for a converted try. Park responded when an offload went to floor and they swooped on the ball and crossed in the corner to make the half time score 13-7.
With such a strong wind, turning around a 6 point deficit seemed achievable but it was Park who started the half looking the more dangerous. However a knock-on gave Sowersby the chance to attack and he made 60 yards before slipping the ball to Dinsdale who crossed for a converted try.
Sheader struck next when he picked up a loose ball and streaked away from the cover defence.
A third try in five minutes followed when skipper Dervey found himself in space. He made yards and showed composure to offload to Murray who beat three defenders to cross for an excellent try.
If that quick-fire burst had deflated Park they didn’t let it show, continuing to play from deep and stretching the home defence. From one attack, Nellen isolated the ball carrier and turned the ball over, before throwing a beautifully-timed pass which beat the opposition winger to put Sowersby over for his second.
This started a loose period of play with missed tackles on both sides leading to a further 4 tries – 1 for the home side and 3 for Park. Fortunately for Driffield they were far enough ahead to hold on for the win and claim 5 points.
For the home side, the back row were excellent. Burns is a fine player, always seeming to get away from the first tackle with his pace. Nellen rampaged all afternoon and hurt the opposition with his carrying, whilst Walgate has slotted into the side with ease and showed some deft touches as well as a good work rate. Binnington made a welcome return to action and he wasted no time in making his presence felt with some shuddering tackles.
In the halves, Sheader brought great energy, taking his try well and harrying his opposite man all game. Brigham played intelligently, using the conditions well and challenging the line as well as kicking his goals.