1st XV
Matches
Sat 08 Jan 2011  ·  Durham/Northumberland Division One
Darlington RFC
1st XV
15
10
Stockton
Darlington 15 Stockton 10

Darlington 15 Stockton 10

bryan baldwin10 Jan 2011 - 10:58
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Darlington dominate and remain unbeaten at home.

Darlington 15 Stockton 10
Darlington emerged worthy winners in a frustrating game that seemed to lack continuity. With the majority of our first choice players available we were looking forward to an enterprising free flowing game of rugby, but after the first few minutes it became apparent Stockton’s game plan was based on intimidation and a spoiling game.
Darlington’s forwards dominated possession throughout the game and continued driving mauls( 6 in all) were dragged down short of the line, resulting in a scrum!! Despite the frustration Darlington continually threatened the Stockton line who defended gallantly, but suffered a player yellow carded for continually coming in the side of a ruck. The home backs lacked the fluidity that has seen them score numerous tries, they attempted to move the ball wide quickly, having a number of penetrating runs stopped just short of the line.
Unfortunately during a brawl Nicholas Baldwin was floored by a head butt, resulting in the aggressor being sent off (red card) .
With no score at half time and Stockton reduced to 14 men it was obvious that the visiting team would throw everything plus the kitchen sink at the dominant home side in an effort to prevent them playing, this they did with great effect, for that they should be duly commended.
Continued pressure and penetrating breaks saw Nick Baldwin kick a penalty (3-0). Time after time Darlington worked their way up the pitch through inter play between backs and forwards, when within a scoring position were penalised and lost possession. On two occasions they managed to keep the ball off the ground, created space, and Captain Andy Hodgkins scored two fine tries after with backs and forwards inter linking beautifully.
On a rare occasion that Stockton entered the Darlington half they scored a dubious try from a metre out, the second was a similar score. The last 10 minutes saw Stockton batter away at the Darlington line, penalty after penalty were awarded to the visitors, who decided to run the ball. Darlington maintained their discipline and ferociously repelled every effort. The final whistle came when the Darlington Defence who had forced Stockton back 30 metres forces them to knock on.
A vital win full of character, discipline and self resolve.

Match details

Match date

Sat 08 Jan 2011

Kickoff

14:15

Competition

Durham/Northumberland Division One
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Shirt Sponsor - Gray's Plumbing and Heating
Team sponsor - BCS Render Systems
Shirt Sponsor - Major's Barbers
Senior Men's Sponsor - Forge Fitness
Shirt Sponsor - Straight Up Scaffolding
Shirt Sponsor - Country Harvest Farm Foods
Shirt Sponsor - AEL Fire & Security