Matson 27ptsDrybrook 15pts
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Several unforced errors and a poor second half showing led to Drybrook slipping to a disappointing defeat at Matson’s Redwell Road ground.
Playing up the slope in the first half Drybrook were forced into a quick reshuffle when hooker Luke Fisher went off with a ham string tear. No 8 Mitch Renton went up into the front row and Rorie Day came on as a back row replacement.
In the 8th minute Matson took the lead when a penalty kick to the corner was followed by a catch and drive that Drybrook could not stop.
After this, Drybrook had the majority of the play, but all too often the ball carrier lacked support and they were unable to break through.
Eventually Drybrook were rewarded with an Ollie Clements penalty after 37 minutes when he made up for a bad miss earlier in the half.
Half Time:
Matson 5pts
Drybrook 3pts
The second half began with Matson on the attack and after 5 minutes a well struck penalty from the 40 metre mark extended their lead.
This stung Drybrook into action and they at last showed some urgency with a good attack down the middle with several players involved. The ball was moved wide but a telegraphed pass from fullback Aiden Price was intercepted and Matson were able to run in from 60 metres.
Drybrook attempted to recover from this set back and a great flowing move involving Tom Treherne and Ben Large was just stopped in the corner.
Matson then gained another try out of nothing when the ball went loose from a scrum in mid field. The Drybrook back row was not alert and Matson seized the loose ball to run in virtually unopposed.
Drybrook hit back strongly with their best play of the game and following a Danny Price charge, Sam Peaper forced his way over the line and Tom Treherne converted.
Right from the restart Drybrook’s defence was found wanting again when a huge gap opened up from a three quarter move and Matson grabbed the bonus point score.
Drybrook showed good character to bounce back and although winger Kristian Taft was just bundled into the corner, the visitors were able to keep up the pressure.
Eventually the pressure told when Mitch Baldwin, who had moved to scrum half, nipped over for a try following several tap and goes.
Drybrook finished the stronger of the two sides but they were left to reflect on an error strewn second half which ultimately led to their down fall.
Drybrook 1st XV; Aiden Price, Kristian Taft, Simon Rugman (Capt), Ben Large, Mitch Baldwin, Ollie Clements,Tom Treherne, Jun Sing Lee, Luke Fisher, Nick Ovens, Marcus Cowles, Dale Critchley, Dan Price, Sam Peaper, Mitch Renton.
Replacements; Joe James, Rorie Day, Dan Cox.
