Referee collapse brings premature end to United friendly

Drybrook United nil
Coney Hill “A” 5pts
(Abandoned after 29 minutes)

This friendly match came to a dramatic conclusion after the referee Mr Alex McDonald suddenly collapsed as a scrum was about to take place.
Several spectators and both sides’ medical teams rushed to assist him before the emergency services were called.
It was agreed that in the circumstances the match was called off and fortunately Mr McDonald had regained consciousness before being taken to hospital.
Up until then the match looked to be a very close encounter between two teams who looked to move the ball whenever they could despite the constant cold drizzle.
Drybrook had the best of the early exchanges but a couple of knock-ons close to the line spoiled some try scoring opportunities.
Coney Hill hit back and after a period of pressure they were just off target with a penalty attempt after 12 minutes.

The visitors kept pressing and were eventually awarded a try but the referee failed to see that the ball was not grounded properly.
Drybrook lost second row Jon Pritchard and prop Sam Ripley to injury soon after to be replaced by Marcus Cowles and Anthony Suter.
Drybrook then hit back with a good spell but ignored a fairly straightforward penalty opportunity to kick for the corner.
Unfortunately they messed up the resulting line out and the chance was missed.
Coney Hill managed to clear their lines and moved play up to the half way line just before the match was abandoned.
Both clubs wish Alex a speedy recovery.

Drybrook United XV; Luke Roberts, Jack Freeman, Gareth Holdsworth, Ben Harvey, Nick Lewis, Andy Milner(capt), Thomas Treherne, Sam Ripley, Huw Rimmer, Jordan Eacups, Jon Pritchard, Alex Smailes, Joe James, Matt Freeman, Mitch Hale.
Replacements; Anthony Suter, Marcus Cowles, Jack Whiting, Ciaran Butler