Baildon RUFC U160

Driffield RUFC U1619

Driffield travelled into the West Riding looking to progress in the Yorkshire Bowl competition against an unfamiliar Baildon side.

The heavy snowfall over the festive period meant that this was the first game Driffield had played since mid December.

The lack of form from both teams was evident in the first 20 minutes as the unforced error count was disconcertingly high.

However, eventually Driffield tightened up their game and began to dominate. Good ball retention along with flyhalf Short’s accurate, booming boot moved Driffield up the pitch into Baildon’s 22. Continued pressure on the try line resulted in outside centre Caush bustling over under the post for the first score of the game. Short duly converted to add the extras and put Driffield 7-0 up.

The Driffield forwards continued to retain possession as the team pressed for a second score.

Good running close to the rucks from Speirs and Hart created space out wide. A great backs move sent inside centre Hardy through a gap in the Baildon defence. With great evasive skills from the born centre he went bursting up the field but was halted at the last just short of the line. The support play from the rest of the team provided quick rucked ball for the subsequent passage of play. The pressure told as Baildon were penalised continuously as their defence was hard pressed to keep the Driffield attack at bay. Eventually a gap opened for No. 8 Hammond to dive over near the posts, Short again converted to give Driffield a lead of 14-0.

The Driffield backs were impressive when they got good ball from the forwards. Good link up from wing Newborn and fullback leaver made good yards as they countered from a Baildon clearance.

The Baildon defence throughout were overeager in pressing and were often penalised for being offside. This gave Short the opportunity to put Driffield in good attacking positions with the boot.

Good communication in attack resulted in more pressure on the Baildon tryline as Driffield looked for the third score.

Newborn made the most of a poor pass as he showed great footwork to beat four defenders as he went over for the third score near the touchline. Short couldn’t make the conversion this time, leaving the score 19-0.

Baildon came out for the second half all guns blazing but the well-drilled Driffield defence quashed out any threat.

However, poor fitness levels from both sides meant that the second half didn’t produce the excitement of the first half with neither side making any real penetration.

The Driffield forwards didn’t retain possession as well as the first half as fatigue set in. The introduction of replacements didn’t make much impact on the game as it petered out.

Nevertheless the Driffield team were elated with the victory as they now progress to the semi-finals of this competition.