This weekend we welcome close rivals York RUFC, who bring both their 1st and 2nd XVs to Kelleythorpe – see the match programme here. Our 3rd and 4th XVs both head to Scarborough, to face their 2nds and 3rds. The Ladies have to wait until Sunday for their game, when they welcome Sale 1861.
It was back in October when we travelled to York for our 1st match against them since the season that wasn’t due to the Covid pandemic. Driffield had a great afternoon, coming away with two wins : 1st XV 19-24 and 2nds 7-31. The 1st XV game was a nail-biter, with Driffield just managing to sneak home on the scoreboard although they definitely deserved the win.
Since then, York have continued with their on / off form. They start the game in 7th place on 31 points, with 6 wins and 6 losses. They last played on 3rd December when they welcomed Billingham – the league leaders came out on top, winning 19-29.
Driffield have had one extra outing since then, with our game at West Bridgford being played on the 4G at Derby University. Driffield running away easily in the end, final score 3-60 and a good day’s work for the Woldsmen. That result, and Cleckheaton’s loss to Billingham meant we jumped a spot in the league, and start 2023 in 4th place. Billingham need some major slip-ups to be caught, but second is definitely in our sights – we are just 4 points off it at the moment.
A couple of weeks off has given some time to heal any injuries, and we go into the weekend with 4 very strong teams.
The 2nd XV are in the hunt for the Premiership crown after a great 1st half of the season. Just the two losses so far, both away, against Harrogate and Sheffield Tigers. Hopefully the squad can continue to grow and push on for the rest of the season, it really would be a statement if Driffield 2nds could take the league.
3rds and 4ths are straight back into action too, both looking to push on against Scarborough 2nds and 3rds at Scarborough.
The Ladies XV take to the stage on Sunday. After a tough start to their new league, they found their feet and won 3 games in the 1st half of the season. On Sunday they welcome Sale 1861. It will be a great test of how far the Ladies have improved as, in the first meeting at Sale back in October, Sale came out winners 102-7. Hopefully we should see a much better result, and maybe a Driffield win.
Good luck to all in Blue Black & White.
1st XV welcome York