Dronfield RUFC master the elements for a well-deserved home victory

After last week’s disappointing result away at Blackburn Dronfield 1st XV were keen to show an improvement in their overall performance when they welcomed Bowdon from the Greater Manchester area for their home Regional One (NW) league match at Gosforth Fields.

The heavy rain and strong blustery wind meant that both sides were forced to adapt their usual playing style.  Bowden started the game with the slope and the elements in their favour and initially forced Dronfield on the defensive.

It required excellent tackling to repel repeated Bowdon forward surges.  Eventually the visitors were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, and it was anticipated that this would give them the lead. However, the attempt drifted wide and so the score remained 0-0. 

Early in the game Dronfield were forced to rearranged their backline with Jake Steade forced to leave the field with a leg injury – this meant that Harley Saunders took over kicking duties.  With almost their first entry into Bowdon’s 22 Dronfield scored the opening try. Initially they had made ground with close forward inter-play but then at the opportune moment released the ball wide for Harley Saunders to score in the corner and give the home side a 5-0 lead

As it was to be expected there were frequent handling errors from both sides with play moving from end to end Both sides used the high ball hoping to gain ground, but their accuracy proved difficult in the swirling wind and possession was frequently lost.  

Dronfield nearly scored when Joel Gunn kicked ahead from a tight angle but unfortunately a Bowdon player was first to the touch down. With five minutes remaining in the half Bowdon levelled the scores.  From their lineout, ten metres out, they gained possession and a co-ordinated drive took them over the line. This meant that scores were level 5-5 at half time

When the teams returned to the pitch after a short period of respite from the wind and rain it was the visitors who upped the tempo Firstly scoring from a penalty kick and then a try under the posts  which was converted, Bowdon now led 5-13 and Dronfield realised that they needed to regain the ascendancy if they were not to let the game slip away from them, They once more rose to the challenge.

This resulted in the Dronfield pack taking control in the scrums. Their reward was a George Burch try not surprisingly from short range, and a Harley Saunders conversion.  As the game entered the final phase two accurate penalties one from distance increased the home side’s lead to 18-13

At the final whistle they had gained a well deserved victory which provided a much-needed boost  to their season They will now especially target their forthcoming home fixtures with Kendal and Rochdale hoping that their scrummaging can maintain its dominant solidity against bigger packs