Driffield have an early start on Saturday when they make the long journey to Cumbria to visit Penrith RUFC.

Penrith currently sit 3rd in North One East, 3 points behind West and 10 behind leaders Pocklington.

Following last year’s 6th place finish in North One West, Penrith were selected to be transferred across to North One East to even the leagues up. Apparently this is worked out via average mileage to clubs, and with the North East clubs it is just a run across the A66, so Penrith usually appear closet. They are enjoying life on the right side of the Pennines, still in the fight for 2nd and a shot at promotion along with West Hartlepool and Alnwick.

Their home form is superb, only dropping points to Pocklington, losing 6-13 and West Hartlepool, drawing 13 each. They appear a bit weaker when on the bus, coming home on 4 occasions with the points. One of those was in the return fixture against us. Penrith snatched a late try to give them the win, although we had a shot at 3 points on the final whistle to take a draw; unfortunately that wasn’t to be and Penrith took the points, winning 18-15.

We on the other hand are on great form, and would be leading the league along with Pocklington if it was just on form. This game will see us looking for our 7th win on the trot. That being said, with the strength in this league we are still not safe from relegation, although I wouldn’t say we are looking over our shoulders to those trying to catch us. But we are looking up at who we can catch. Wheatley and Guisborough look set for the drop, with Durham City currently joining them.  However, mathematically any of the 6 teams above them could finish in that 12th position including us.

We need another strong performance to have any hope of getting those vital points that would make us ‘safe’. With that in mind it was great to see no injuries and a full squad for the coaching staff to select from. Making the whole club stronger, not just the 1st XV.

Last 3 matches :

Penrith : lost at West 17-15, beat YMCA 31-14 and won at Malton 31-42 (after being 31-7 down at the break)

Driffield : won at Guisborough 7-48, won at Percy Park 15-28 and beat Wheatley 74-12 at Kellyethorpe.

The 2nds look to get back to winning ways welcoming Doncaster Phoenix to Kelleythorpe. The 2nds have been in great form lately, beating Scunthorpe 2nds both home and away, then winning at York. Unfortunately that run came to and end last weekend at Pocklington 2nds.

3rds travel to Pocklington to face their 2nds

Dev XV welcome Pocklington 3rds to Kelleythorpe.

All games are 3pm KO, so if you cant make it up to Cumbria to support the 1sts, get down to Kelleythorpe and enjoy the 2nds and Dev XV.

1st Team vs Penrith XV

1 Dervey (c), 2 Brumfield, 3 Nellen, 4 Cooper, 5 Turner, 6 Mewburn, 7 Mewburn, 8 Burns

9 Gray, 10 Brigham

11 Stephenson, 12 Dench, 13 Robinson, 14 Dinsdale, 15 Furbank

Subs : 16 McClarron, 17 Pettinger, 18 Ramsden