The game gave players from both clubs valuable match practice before the league season starts in a few weeks’ time. Dronfield were without some of their regular first players from last season including captain Jake Steade and therefore gave players from the Stags (2nd XV) and Colts an opportunity to gain valuable experience playing at a higher level They did however give debuts to two newcomers to the club Nathan Hind and Tainne Finn.
Dronfield played with the slope in their favour for the first half and mishandling by a Sheffield player from the kick-off led to the first scrum of the match. This was completely dominated by the home side. For the next ten minutes Sheffield team was encamped in their own 22. Although they defended solidly, continual pressure, eventually led to heir their defence being breached. A Dronfield rolling maul powered over the line with hooker George Burch scoring. Debutant Tainne Finn converted to give the home side a thoroughly deserved 7-0 lead
After the restart it was now Sheffield who applied the pressure and they scored a converted try from close range to bring the scores level at 7-7. There was then a period of play where both teams had good opportunities to score but a combination of good defence and poor handling meant that continuity was lacking. As we approached half time Dronfield once more regained the momentum. Firstly, Adam Davies found space in midfield and powered through but was unable to link up with others in support. Dronfield’s pack then controlled a scrum close to the Sheffield line and quick hands led to Jack Longden scoring. The conversion was unsuccessful and so at half time the home side had a deserved 12-7 lead
For the start of the second half the visitors strengthen their team bringing on some players with 1st XV experience. Dronfield gave opportunities to impress to some Stags and Colts. Sheffield was now a more solid pack and their backs were quicker and showed the ability to penetrate Dronfield’s defence. A quickly taken short penalty close to Dronfield’s line caught the home side unaware and Sheffield scored a try under the posts. The resulting conversion now meant that it was Sheffield who led 12-14. Soon after, with probably the best move of the match, the visitors increased their lead. Creativity from their strengthened back-line and speed onto the ball created a try and Sheffield now led 12-19. Now dominating play this was increased further to 12-24.
Credit must go to Dronfield players who could have easily capitulated. They came back into the game and began to spend more time close to Sheffield line. Forward drives from Dronfield and an eventual pass out away from the maul gave Chris Pond space to crash over. When new boy, Nathan Hind, was in hand to finish off another Dronfield attack, the sides were tied on 24-24. In the final phases of the game both teams had scoring chances but unfortunately for the home side it was Sheffield who scores the final converted try to give them a 24-31 victory
Both sides should be applauded for their endeavours. This was a stern test for the Dronfield squad and they can take a lot of positives from their performance . Next Thursday 21st August a Dronfield XV travelled to Dinnington for their final warm-up game before the league season begins on September 6th with the 1st XV at home against Sutton Coldfield and the Stags travelling to Belper.
