Drybrook played really well at Matson’s
Redwell Road ground and deservedly gained another league victory. Given
first use of the slope Drybrook quickly established forward superiority and
went into the lead with a Luke Beard penalty after 15 minutes. Despite the
wet conditions Drybrook continued to pressurise the home line and after a
series of infringements at the scrummage they were awarded a penalty try
that Beard easily converted. Drybrook had a couple of chances to
increase their lead and were denied by some good defence but the
breakthrough eventually came. A move that started on the Matson
10-meter line saw Beard put N0 8 Neil Morgan through the gap and although
his strong run was halted just short, flanker Craig Moore was in support to
crash over. Beard added the extras to give Drybrook a commanding
interval lead.
Drybrook started the second half well and
would have increased their lead had Beard been able to keep his footing with
2 fairly simple penalty attempts but the conditions underfoot prevented
that. Matson had a strong period midway through the half but the
visitor’s aggressive defence kept them out and towards the end Drybrook had
chances to increase their lead but could not convert them into points
Drybrook team: Steve Williams, Chris White, Chris Rawlings,
Leon Meek, Jamie Roberts, Luke Beard, Carl Moore, Tom Reed (capt), Chris
Thomas, Scott Phelps, John Duffin, Dale Critchley, Craig Moore, Pete Meek,
Neil Morgan.
Replacements: Dave Payne, Julian Horrobin, Jim Hillcoat.