Witney – Trial – (home) 23rd August 2014

Drybrook United 60pts
Witney “A” 14pts

Drybrook United warmed up for the new season with this 10 try demolition of Oxfordshire visitors Witney.
Both winger Jay Knight and flanker Tom Smith scored try hat-tricks in a good performance from Drybrook.
The first score came early in the game when Smith capitalised on some early pressure to claim a try and a few minutes later the same player crossed again.
Witney hit back with a well worked try involving several off loads but as the game progressed they began to find life difficult against Drybrook’s rampaging pack.
Mitch Hale looked particularly sharp and he was next on the score sheet when he took a line out catch before powering through a reluctant defence.

Drybrook kept up the pressure and hooker Dean Jelf then crossed for a try after the ball was moved wide and Witney ran out of defenders.
Just before the interval Knight scored the first of his tries when he crossed in the corner.

Half Time:
Drybrook United 29pts – Witney “A” 7pts

Witney wilted under the constant pressure at the start of the second half and centre Gareth Holdsworth was able to break through for a try under the posts.
Some good inter passing and support play from Drybrook then led to Smith claiming his hat-trick score.
Simon Rugman, who was making a rare appearance at No 8, then combined with his brother Jim to score a spectacular try following some neat inter passing close to the touchline.
It was all Drybrook at this stage and a powerful scrum created the space for Knight to go over for his second try of the afternoon.

Witney could have been forgiven for throwing in the towel at this stage but they rallied strongly to gain a deserved try following a quick tap penalty.
Drybrook had the last say however when Knight scorched over for his hat-trick just before the end.
Skipper Andy Milner added 5 conversions for Drybrook.

Drybrook United XV; Alex Isles, Tony Hussey, Gareth Holdsworth, Matt Freeman, Jay Knight, Andy Milner (Capt), Chris Rawlings, Connor Auker-Howlett, Dean Jelf, Tony Suter, Mitch Hale, Simon Ballinger, Tom Smith, Jim Rugman, Simon Rugman.
Replacements; James Smith, James Ellway, Tom Maskell, Steve Virgo, Marcus Cowles, Craig Boughton.