A warm welcome to Billingham RUFC, who bring both their 1st and 2nd XVs to Kelleythorpe on Saturday.
A tough test awaits the Woldsmen as they host Billingham RUFC – Click here for the full match programme. It has been a while since we have played each other – 2009/10 in North One East, when Billingham won both matches : 64-20 At and & 25-33 at Kelleythorpe. The season before, in North 2 East, Billingham also did the double : 43-15 at and 25 – 33 at Kelleythorpe.
Billingham currently lie 3rd in the league, having won four and lost one fixture this season – away at Alnwick 23-20. Three wins at home against West Bridgford 57-10, York 24 – 14 and Doncaster Phoenix 31-3. Thier away win came at Cleckheaton 7 – 49.
The Woldsmen are hunting for their 6th win of the season, dropping one BP on the way, leaving us second in the league to Heath on Points difference only.
Our latest outing at York was a terrific match, which I thought showcased this level of rugby ; maybe a level that we had not seen so far this season. It also showed us that we can comfortably compete at this level, not only against the lower teams, but also against the top teams, as I expect York to be. York’s 1st try was from a straight-up missed tackle in the middle of park, their second came late in the game whilst we were down to 14. The last 10 minutes we stood our ground superbly, our scrum dominated theirs at a vital moment in the game, and we then finished the game pushing to score a 4th try.
For the 1st time this season we have nearly a full squad to select from : Mewburn (long-term shoulder)and Rix (broken elbow) are the only two injuries, and Nellen is away with work for a few months. I believe it was a tough selection meeting on Thursday. James Watts returns to the team at 15, with Ben Blacker moving to the wing. Pettinger returns at prop following his injury at Scunthorpe and Brankley has recovered from his knock at York to take his place in the back row. Mark Blenkinsop, Harry Grant and Gary Stephenson make up the bench.
We are also very happy to be welcoming James Mackenzie from the Michelin-starred Pipe & Glass Restuarant. James will cook our pre-match meal this weekend, with all proceeds going the President’s chosen charity for this season. Many thanks to James and his team.
Our 2nd XV also host Billingham 2nds in the Yorkshire Merit Premiership. Driffield had a good win against Sheffield last Saturday, following a great win at York 2nds the week before. The squad depth for the club shows in the 2nds with us being able to field a seriously strong second team, most of whom are fighting for a spot in the 1st XV.
Our 3rds and 4ths join forces to travel to face Bridlington 2nds.
The Ladies will be looking for their 1st win in the league on Sunday, when they host Sheffield RUFC Ladies, 2pm KO Ii believe. Please come down and show some support for the Ladies.
Driffield RUFC 1st XV v Billingham RUFC 1st XV, Saturday 15/10/2022, KO 3PM
- Pettinger
- Ramsden
- Mckinnon
- Turner
- Gleeson
- Brankley
- Jenkinson (c)
- Falkingham
- Robinson
- Murray, Ryan
- Blacker
- Sowersby
- Dinsdale
- 14 – Short
- Watts
- Stephenson
- Grant
- Blenkinsop
Good Luck to all in Blue, Black and White