Driffield made the 70 mile trip over to Bradford on a nice autumn Saturday afternoon to take on a very strong Bradford side hoping to keep their great start to the season going.
Driffield kicked off and went straight on the attack with strong runs from Brankley, Robson and Cullen all breaking the gain-line, setting up great ball for Watts to release his pacey back line.
Bradford’s line held firm and slowly, but surely, they worked down the pitch towards Driffield’s 22. From a line-out the Bradford forwards drove towards the Driffield line with the number 8 breaking away. He powered over the line for the first points of the game, against the run of play, which were converted. Bradford & Bingley 7 – 0 Driffield.
Driffield went straight on the attack from the kick-off and with strong drives from Brumfield, James Dinsdale and Turner. Driffield earned a penalty in front of the posts, which Watts successfully dispatched it to make it Bradford & Bingley 7 – 3 Driffield
Again from the kick-off, Bradford went on the offensive using their large forwards to march down the field. The ball went wide but, from a wayward pass, Ben Dinsdale intercepted and raced under the sticks to score Driffield’s opening try of the game, converted by Watts. Half time Bradford & Bingley 7 – 10 Driffield.
The second half kicked off with Bradford on the front foot, again using their heavy pack to rumble up the field. They gained a penalty for a Driffield player offside and converted it to make the score Bradford & Bingley 10 – 10 Driffield.
Both sides were playing some great rugby and the game could go either way. Driffield looked dangerous with the pace of Jackson, Kelly and Longville every time they got the ball. With Dench keeping things rock solid in the middle, Driffield made their way to the Bradford line. Quick ball went out to Ben Dinsdale who raced over for his and Driffield’s second try of the game. Again Watts converted to give Driffield a 7 point lead. Bradford & Bingley 10 – 17 Driffield.
Now the home side had their best period of the game – they went on the attack and pounded the Driffield line. Again and again the attackers were repelled by some excellent defence – the home side threw everything they had at the visitors and eventually the pressure told and the home powered over for a converted try to level the scores up with 10 minutes to go. Bradford & Bingley 17 – 17 Driffield.
Both sides sensed that the next score would probably be the match winner. Bradford’s kick straight down the field was taken by Longville on the half-way line. He glided across the surface beating defenders with ease, until he was pulled down 5 yards out. The Driffield forwards secured the ball and Felix Nellen powered over for the try in his last game for a while, as he’s going away with work. Watts converted to make it Bradford & Bingley 17 – 24 Driffield.
The final whistle blew and Driffield had pulled of a great win and, with Scarborough losing, the Woldsman went to the top of the table.