The 1st XV welcome Morpeth RUFC, the 2nd XV head to Doncaster Phoenix whilst the 3rd XV start their season at Hullensians.
A warm welcome to the players, officials and supporters making the journey from the North East as Morpeth RUFC arrive at Kelleythorpe.
Morpeth returned to North One East this season following relegation from North Premier last season, finshing the season 2nd bottom after the RFU finished sorting the positions although, at the point that rugby ceased due to Covid, they were sitting 3rd bottom. Morpeth gained promotion the season before after a successful campaign saw them winning 22 of the 26 matches. Morpeth did the double over us during this season – we lost at their place 23 – 0, and then lost at Kelleythorpe 22 – 34 at the second attempt – the 1st game was called off to due an injury to the referee.
Morpeth have made a slow start to life back in North One East, having won just one match so far. That was last weekend when they entertained Moortown, winning 32 – 5. They have lost at Cleckheaton 36 – 27, at home to Ilkley 3 – 31 and opened the season with a loss at home to Old Brodleians 8 -15. They currently sit 11th in the league with 6 points.
We look like we have started to hit our stride, and the coaches will be happy at the recent performances. Our 55 – 10 win at Consett last weekend was a pretty dominant performance. We took the lead early and never looked back, and un like early weeks, we managed to get out of sight and stopped any type of comeback, like the one seen at Malton. The win moved us up to third in the league on 16 points – only we and Ilkley have an unbeaten record still, although Ilkley have 4 wins from 4.
The starting team is the same as the last weekend : the only changes are on the bench, with Henry Forbes coming in for Brankley and Blacker joining to cover Ryan Murray.
Second XV picked up a fixture at Doncaster Phoenix following a cry-off from Huddersfield early in the week. Seconds have had a great start to the season, and will be looking to carry that on against Phoenix. It shows how keen we are to play rugby at Driffield, when we gladly pick up an away fixture at Doncaster Phoenix.
We are also sending a mixed third / fourth XV to Hullensians. The 3rds had the fixture anyway, and the 4ths were supposed to play Hull Ionians, but they could not get a side. Great to see 3 teams out, with the ability of fielding four in the next couple of weeks,
This Saturday we host our annual Ladies Day – the event has been very well supported as usual, with over 160 ladies expected for lunch before the game, and no doubt enjoying a few drinks after. There will be a bar outside for those not wanting to venture into the club.
Driffield RUFC 1st XV v Morpeth RUFC 1st XV, Sat 02 October 2021, KO 3PM.
- Nellen
- Ramsden
- Pettinger
- Turner
- Dinsdale
- Sowersby
- Mewburn (c)
- Jenkinson
- Robinson
- Brigham
- Kelly
- Johnson
- Rix
- Short
- Watts
- Blacker
- Forbes
- Dervey.
Score updates available on our Twitter account @driffrugby.
Good Luck to all in Blue, Black & Whte.