Dronfield Stags impressive despite narrow defeat
The Stags gave home debuts to a few of last season’s cup winning Colts
Dronfield Rugby Club’s second string the Stags were anticipating a home fixture against Wath 2nd XV, however Wath were unable to raise a full second team and so it was agreed that a shorter game would take place with Wath selecting a mixed 1st/2nd XV.
The match was to last 30 minutes although strangely Dronfield spent the whole of the game playing up the slope when it was anticipated that there would be a half-time break when the sides would change ends.
The Stags gave home debuts to a few of last season’s cup winning Colts and started confidently. When Wath were penalised in their own half, Dronfield took a quickly taken tap penalty and moved the ball along the line only to be stopped close to their opponents try-line.
From the resulting lineout possession was gained resulting in Callum Daughtry crashing over from the driving maul. Iwan Hutchings successful conversion meant the home side took a 7-0 early lead, Wath replied with their own converted try, and it took an Andy Chambers try to restore the Stags lead to 12-7.
In a game that was end to end, Wath came back once more using their robust forwards to burst through tackles and power over from close range. An accurate conversion meant that the visitors went into the lead for the first time in the game 12-14. Wath were very effective with short passing and drives and crossed the line once more to increase their lead to 12-12 with another converted try
Dronfield Stags were not deterred however and came back into the game once more. Joel Gunn showing power and speed to score out wide and a Joe Webb conversion closed the gap to 19-21.
Despite a concerted effort in the final phases of the game when Iwan Hutchings and Joel Gunn combined once more, but, unfortunately, Joel was stopped just short of the line from scoring the winning try.
The Stags showed ability and skill in attack and the combination of youth and experience complemented each other. They will go into their first league match against a strong West Bridgeford 2nd XV in a positive frame of mind