Below-par performance sees Dronfield Rugby 1st XV defeated

After positive signs in their last three matches that Dronfield Rugby Club 1st XV were beginning to adapt to playing their league matches this season at a higher level, there was a feeling of optimism when they travelled to Lancashire to play Blackburn. The home side themselves had not had the best of starts to their campaign therefore it was hoped that Dronfield would come away with something to show for their endeavours

Playing into the strong wind in the first half Dronfield started the game on the back foot as Blackburn’s initial kick off was not dealt with. Blackburn were foiled in their initial attempts to find gaps in Dronfield’s defence but after six minutes they were awarded a penalty, and they elected to kick for goal The accurate wind-assisted kick gave the home side a 3-0 lead. The next period of play resulted in both sides losing possession at key moments. After twenty minutes it was Blackburn who were penalised in their own half. Dronfield elected to kick for the corner and from the 5-metre line-out, a well-co-ordinated drive took them over the line with George Burch scoring to put Dronfield into a 3-5 lead

Dronfield, not for the first time this season, initially created opportunities to increase their lead but at key moments faltered whether that be due to the hurried selection of the wrong option or a wasted attacking opportunity from a rushed tap penalty five metres out.

On the half hour mark the home side took the lead  with a midfield break and a series of mis- tackles, an unusual occurrence for Dronfield.

This lead could have increased but for try-saving tackles from Joe Farrell, playing his 200 first team game for the club,  and Nathan Hind.  At half time Blackburn held a slender 10-8 lead

With the wind in their favour and their usual ability to up the tempo in the second half, it was hoped that Dronfield would step up a gear From the initial restart things looked promising when Lucas Rushton’s one handed take at speed saw him in space close to Blackburn’s 22  but unfortunately Dronfield could not take advantage of the possession gained.

Despite frequent powerful forwards drives especially from Teddy Geering ,the visitors seemed out of sorts  and Blackburn took advantage of this scoring further tries Dronfield saw from the Blackburn  side a step up in pace, physicality and professionalism in the second half The home victory by  48-8 did not reflect Dronfield efforts especially in the first half when they matched Blackburn in both forward and back play

This was a disappointing result that the team must put behind them and be ready to go again next weekend at home against Bowdon from Greater Manchester.

They have shown in their matches so far their ability to put teams under pressure, but need to convert this into points gained