We need to send special thanks to the Notts Mods team for bringing a referee for today’s game, as well as the Notts Mods lads who joined Dronfield for the match. Overall, it was a great match today from both teams in horrible conditions. It started off cold, wet, muddy and miserable and only got worse (That ball was definitely slippery when wet )… but here at Dronfield we don’t blame it on the rain!
The match started with a Dronfield kick off, and some very scrappy play. Finally, Dronfield retrieved the ball, passed to Charlie who had a storming run from the half way line and nearly all the way to the Notts try line, but he was tackled and the ball turned over.
Play moved back down the pitch, some great defensive play from Dronfield but unfortunately the Notts Mods number 16 had some pace, he broke the line and scored a steaming try, which Notts successfully converted. But like National Express buses, another try followed quickly behind. Again, the Notts No 16 broke the Dronfield line, which was hacked on for a second Notts try. This time, the weather conditions affected the conversion, giving a slight ray of sunshine for Dronfield.
With the weather conditions still terrible, the restart again led to some scrappy play. It was like murder on the dancefloor for several minutes. But Dronfield emerged intact with some dominant tackles from Eli, Sam and Adam, holding the Dronfield defensive line. George having an incredible work rate around the rucks, some storming runs from Charlie and William, and a crucial tackle by Evan which stopped a Notts line break. Throughout this phase of play, Dronfield managed to hold their defences firm.
As the first half drew to a close, off-field action provided some entrainment with group of mini rugby players and their Mum’s trying to push a stranded Tesla off the side of the pitch. Their efforts were valiant but ultimate unsuccessful, the Tesla was stuck in mud, and stuck in the moment.
Back to the rugby, Notts came flying out on the second half with great rugby being played, which sent them up to the try line. With stakes and tension rising, there was some handbags and glad rags on the try line as Dronfield defended like lions. This resulted in a knock on and Dronfield cleared. In much the same way, as Dronfield were digging into their line, so was the Tesla, sinking further and further into the mud.
On the pitch, conditions got to their worst. Play was scrappy so the lads opted for a bit of football as the ball was too wet to handle. With some slips and trips, however, Dronfield continued to push on. Eli kicked for the corner, great thinking, Dronfield chasing the ball down. It was retrieved by Dronfield and they had their sights on the try line. Perhaps the ref was blinded by the light but a deliberate knock on was missed, and the ball was punted down the pitch towards the Dronfield line! William, as captain, approached the ref with more than words and argued Dronfield’s case.
Play continued with Dronfield now on the attack. Seth made a fantastic break down the wing getting the team up into the 22. After some smart decision making and a sneaky quick line out, Dronfield claimed their first points! Eli kicked the conversion, it was heading for the sticks but fell short in the wind. Play resumed with several line breaks from Notts and some driving mauls towards the Dronfield line. Notts collapsed their maul so Dronfield got the ball and punted in down the pitch. At the halfway, Dronfield defence stood firm with William making 3 tackles on the bounce. Being dizzy from two consecutive tackles, he couldn’t hold on to his third, he was spinning around.
The game ended 15 to Notts, and 5 for Dronfield. A great game of rugby, from two quality teams, played with a noble attitude despite the conditions. But this wasn’t the end for the Dronfield defensive line. They courageously practised their scrum technique, pushing the Tesla out of the mud and up the hill. This final effort from the lads surely saved the Tesla driver from a long walk home and everyone left the pitch happy that despite the cold, wind and rain… Dronfield’s steel and determination held Notts Mods back winning the second half of the match.
After some great chip butties, George was awarded player of the match with some special mentions for Sam and William. Well done lads, a great performance today.