Bideford (away) – 28th November 2015

bideford-away

Drybrook 1st XV
south-west-1-results-graphicBideford 15pts

Drybrook 7pts

The weather was dreadful for Drybrook’s visit to Bideford and after a difficult afternoon they were a shade fortunate not to suffer a heavier defeat.
The home forwards completely dominated the set piece play with Drybrook’s problems made even worse by the early departure of prop Alex Gibson to injury.
Playing up the slope and against the elements Drybrook had a lot of defending to do and went behind after 14 minutes.
A clearing penalty failed to find touch and Bideford used the wind to pin Drybrook back in the corner where a catch and drive try resulted.
Drybrook then enjoyed a long period of ball retention and took play up to the home line on several occasions but lacked the penetration to break through.
With 30 minutes on the clock Bideford scored a second try when a wayward kick up field was gathered before play was switched to allow an easy run in.
The home side then lost a player to the bin following a cynical block when Drybrook took a quick tap penalty, but despite the numerical disadvantage they remained on top.
Bideford extended their lead with a penalty goal on 38 minutes and right at the end of the half Drybrook’s Andy Milner was just off target with a penalty attempt into the wind.

Half Time:
Bideford 15pts
Drybrook nil

The weather was even worse in the second half and both sides struggled to keep hold of the ball.
Bideford’s best weapon was their strong forward pack and on a number of occasions they demolished the Drybrook scrum.
Despite a lack of controlled possession Drybrook kept knocking on the door but could not get over the line.
A second yellow card then came for Bideford and the scrums became uncontested when Drybrook’s Dean Large was carried off injured.
At last Drybrook had a platform to work off and almost got over for a try but the ball slipped from Mitch Hale’s grasp.
A tremendous break from skipper Ben Large was halted just short of the line and then continued pressure finally brought its reward when second row Will Greenway crashed over for the try.
Andy Milner converted and there was some hope for Drybrook but the home side had other ideas and seized control in the last quarter.
At one stage Drybrook were down to 13 men with both Danny Price and Chris Barry in the bin and Bideford looked certain to score again with a succession of driving mauls.
Somehow Drybrook held out but the home team emerged deserved victors on the day.

Drybrook; Andy Milner, Sam Peaper, Kristian Taft, Jamie Roberts, Mitch Bourne, Ben Large (capt), Jack Coombs, Dean Large, Luke Fisher, Alex Gibson, Will Greenway, Glen Nott, Chris Barry, Danny Price, Mitch Bourne,
Replacements; Tim Howarth, Luke Roberts, Mitch Hale.

Drybrook United
PREMIER-linkCheltenhamNorth 5pts
Drybrook United 15pts

Drybrook arrived at Stoke Orchard to discover the home side only had 13 men and no appointed referee so a Cheltenham North clubman was pressed into action.
In order for the game to go ahead Connor Auker-Howlett and Tony Suter propped for the home side in the first half with Dan Lewis and Hugh Rimmer swapping over at half time.
The wet and windy conditions coupled with the undesirable situation at the start led to a patchy performance from Drybrook but they still cruised to victory.
Connor Hale scored the only try of the first half with Mitch Browning and Aaron Ryder touching down after the break.
Dan Lewis grabbed a consolation try for Cheltenham North with all of the conversions blown way off course in the strong wind.

Drybrook United XV; Jamie Hayward, Max Rawlings, Gareth Holdsworth, Connor Hale, Jack Davies, Aaron Ryder, Kieran Auker-Howlett, Dan Lewis, Dean Jelf, Hugh Rimmer, Joe James, Jon Pritchard, Jim Rugman, Mitch Browning, Ashley Jennings.
Replacements; Tony Suter, Connor Auker-Howlett, Alex Smailes, Billy Bowdler.

Drybrook Extras
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