A big Saturday at Driffield RUFC this week, as 1st XV welcome Pocklington 1st XV to Kelleythorpe in North One East. You can see the programme here : Click Here
1st XV go into this local derby knowing a win would secure them at least third in the league, and give us “promotion” to the newly-created R1F league. The standard of rugby in the new league looks fantastic – I’m sure the lads are looking forward to it. The squad has been working hard to prepare for Pocklington’s visit, and a win is not a given.
Pock have had a very inconsistent season, sitting 10th in the league : P 24, W 11, L 13 and 56 points. Their recent form has been very good though, since they lost at Morpeth 38-17 at the beginning of March, they lost at home to Ilkley 19-20, won at Cleckheaton 19-26 and beat Moortown 31-25 at Pocklington last time out.
The last time we met, back in December, we won 23-11 at Pocklington. The the season before it was home advantage winning the day, 22-20 at Driffield, 27-25 at Pocklington.
Our win at Morley made it five on the bounce for us : the Morley game was in the balance at half time time Driffield leading 13 – 6. However, Driffield’s superior fitness showed and we came home with five points after a 37-11 win.
We still sit top in the league, one point ahead of Ilkley. Ilkley have a game in hand, and will travel to Bradford & Bingley on 30th April to complete their season. Their other two games are Durham (h) and Consett (a). Following the league form, I would be suprised if Ilkley did not come away from those three games with 15 points, which would make them champions.
Cleckheaton sit third on 85 points. They have two fixtures remaining, Malton (h) and Durham (a). I would expect Cleck to get at least none points from these two fixtures.
Heath are the other team in the mix – they also have a game in hand. They host Morley this weekend and Scarborough the following weekend, and travel to Pocklington on the final weekend. Heath have a tougher run in than Cleck – a bit of guesswork, but I am going with 11 points from the three games.
If i am correct with the above, it would see the league finish Ilkley 105, Cleck 94, Heath 94. This means that Driffiield need at least three points to finish on 94 (joint 2nd) and fourpoints to finish clear second. All ifs and buts. However, it gives us a little direction – if we win the last two games we finish second at worse.
Driffield and Pocklington Colts face off as a curtain raiser at 12.30, and our 4th XV are playing Pock 3rds at Pocklington.
Our Ladies beat Carlisle Cougars last Sunday in a winner takes-all-match. Driffield needed a five-point win, and to not let Carlisle get a LBP to win the league. They managed all of this and finish the season as league champions and promotion for next season – many congratulations to all involved. The 2nd XV have a development fixture at Malton on Sunday.
Our Annual Club Dinner is next Thursday at the club house. Anyone wanting a place place speak with Dom, Kerry or Veronica to secure your place.
Steve Knowles memorial game is Easter Saturday, KO is 14.00.
Driffield RUFC 1st XV v Pocklington RUFC 1st XV, Sat 09/04/2022, KO 15:00
- Nellen
- Robson
- Pettinger
- Turner
- Cullen
- Jenkinson
- Mewburn (C)
- Johnson
- Robinson
- Murray, Ryan
- Blacker
- Sowersby, Jack
- Dinsdale, Ben
- Rix
- Watts
- Blenkinsop
- Short
- TBC
Good Luck to all in Blue, Black and White