Drybrook Rugby Club

Drybrook returned from the Saintbridge sports ground with a hard-fought bonus point victory.

Old Centralians II 19pts
Drybrook R.F.C II 29pts

Drybrook started the game well playing up hill on a pitch that soon resembled a mud bath.
A few forays into the Cents 22 were repelled with some solid defence.
Cents were able to get some worthwhile territory and scored a converted try in the right-hand corner, this was quickly followed up by another converted score.
The writing seemed to be on the wall with Old Cents having the lion’s share of territory, but not to be deterred the Drybrook lads made inroads into the Old Cents defence.
Joe Tingle making his long-awaited return from injury, spotted a gap at the breakdown to run in a try from his own 10 metre line, which was converted by Andy Milner.
5 minutes later following a well-executed catch and drive, skipper Tom Smith got awarded the try, to take the score to 14-12 at half time.
Cents were first to score in the second half to

increase their lead.
But once again back came Drybrook through scrum half Rhys Gardner to score an unconverted try to take the score to 19-17.
The introduction of Ben Steward and Ash Nelmes brought some additional power in ball carrying in the tight and some impressive defence.
Luke Roberts was next to add his name to the score sheet taking advantage of space out wide to run in a try from his own half.
In the last 5 minutes of the game, Rhys Gardner chipped through the Old Cents defence to ground the ball, with Milner converting.
Drybrook kept the ball for the final few minutes to seal the victory.
All in all this was an outstanding team performance from the 2nd XV who have found it difficult in recent seasons to get a result on Old Cents patch.
Drybrook were well served from the back row of Jordan Taylor, Lennie Mullane and Joe Tingle, with Tingle picking up the man of the match award.
Next week the 2nd XV host league leaders Smiths with a 2:30 kick off.

The Oldest and youngest players on the park; Ben Casey and Jack Moss.