The 1st XV travelled to league-leaders Billingham to play a team that sits pretty comfortably at the top of Regional 1 North East, 15 points ahead of second-place Alnwick. They have been living up to their pre-season tag of league champs, although they had a slip-up last weekend when they lost at Doncaster Phoenix 19-17, but have a 100% win record on home artificial turf. It would be a big ask for the Woldsmen to come away with a win.
With several changes because of unavailability or injury, Driffield still started with a strong team. It would be a full 22 minutes before there was any score, when Watts slotted a penalty for the lead. Billingham 0 – 3 Driffield
Another ten minutes passed before the next score, when Billingham, went in for an unconverted try. Billingham 5 – 3 Driffield
Just before half-time, Watts got another penalty to claim the lead back at the turnaround. Billingham 5 – 6 Driffield
Just five minutes into the second half, Jenkinson went in the the try, unconverted. Billingham 5 – 11 Driffield
Watts extended the lead ten minutes later with a penalty – perhaps Billingham could be beaten at home ? Billingham 5 – 14 Driffield
It would take another six minutes before Billingham were able to narrow the margin, with a penalty. Billingham 8 – 14 Driffield
With around ten minutes to go, they snatched the lead back with a converted try. Billingham 15 – 14 Driffield
And with minutes to go, sealed out the win with another try, unconverted. Billingham 20 – 14 Driffield