Drybrook Rugby Club

Drybrok United 60pts
Gordon League 2nds nil

Drybrook United’s Premier Reserve League match with Dings Crusaders 2nds was called off as the visitors were unable to raise a team.
Fortunately Gordon League 2nds filled the vacancy but they were totally outclassed as Drybrook ran riot and scored 10 tries.
Outstanding for Drybrook was centre Gareth Holdsworth who ran in 5 tries, several of them quite spectacular efforts from distance.
The match began with uncontested scrums as League did not have any recognized front row players and the wet and slippery surface made life difficult for both teams.
Drybrook soon got their powerful maul going and it was not long before fullback Rhys Evans raced in for the first try.
Centre Simon Rugman was next to cross the white wash when he touched down in the corner and then Holdsworth opened his account by using his pace to break clear.
The first half scoring was completed when a delightful handling move was finished off by winger Jack Freeman with a try in the corner.

Half Time:
Drybrook United 22pts
Gordon League “A” nil

Drybrook’s pack really got on top in the second half and it was not long before N0 8 Ashley Jennings grabbed the easiest of catch and drive tries.
Holdsworth then capitalized on a lot of pressure by wriggling through a gap for his second try.

Replacement Connor Hale then showed the visitors a clean pair of heels when he raced in from 30 metres and after this it became the Holdsworth show.
The hat trick score came when he chipped ahead and gathered his own kick before breaking clear.
The last two tries were quite spectacular team efforts with some great off loading and support play and each time it was Holdsworth who was able to finish off the moves with a try.
Skipper Andy Milner completed the scoring with 5 conversions.

A real positive for Drybrook was the return of prop Craig Clarke after over a year out following ligament damage surgery.

Drybrook United XV; Rhys Evans, Jack Freeman, Gareth Holdsworth, Simon Rugman, Max Watkins, Andy Milner (capt), Kieran Auker-Howlett, Craig Clarke, Huw Rimmer, Dan Lewis, Marcus Cowles, Joe James, Jim Rugman, Mitch Browning, Ashley Jennings.
Replacements; Len Mullanne, Jack Whiting, Dean Jelf, Connor Hale, Tony Hussey.

Club Record
Gareth Holdsworth has now joined the DrybrooUnited XV haul of fame by equaling the individual try scoring record of 5.
This mark has been reached on previous occasions by four other players; Clifton Davis against Smiths 2nds on 2/10/1976, Roger Hale v Widden Old Boys 2nds on 15/10/1977, Anthony Wallace v Ross 2nds on 8/4/1987 and Pete Jones against Newent 1st Xv on 15/12/1990.

Drybrook Extras 53pts
Bream United 3pts

Drybrook Extras enjoyed their first home match since 23rd October with a big win over their forest neighbours.
Bream deserved credit for honouring the fixture even though they were short of players but fortunately Will Greenway and Jordan Bourne were on hand become honorary Bulldogs so the game could go ahead.
The pitch was badly cut up but both teams gave it a go and in the end it was Drybrook’s pace and teamwork that made the difference.
Veteran Jimmy Ryder grabbed a rare try hat trick and others were added by Chris Rawlings (2),Tom Treherne (2), Mitch Hale, and Will Bailey.
Treherne added 4 conversions to complete the scoring.

Man Of The Match: Matt Freeman

Drybrook Extras XV; Quentin Partridge, Sam Grant, Nigel Kear, Will Bailey, Jimmy Ryder, Chris Rawlings, Tom Treherne, James Smith (captain), Iain Murphy Craig Lancett, Simon Ballinger, Mitch Hale, Connor Parry, Rich Roberts, Matt Freeman

Replacements; Adam Harris, Jake Bourne, Ian Rawlings, Jordan Eacups, Chris Parker, Mitch Bourne.