Drybrook’s promotion ambitions were hit when they slipped to a disappointing defeat at the hands of a useful Old Richians outfit.  It was a frustrating afternoon for the home team who just could not get going on the saturated pitch but Richians fared just that little bit better to claim victory.  Drybrook started well and were soon in front when a well rehearsed line out move saw Neil Morgan feed hooker Chris Thomas down the short side for a try.  Despite having a man in the sin bin Richians hung on and eventually worked up field from where they were able to kick a penalty.

A long period of midfield stalemate then followed and a second Richians forward was sent to the bin but just before the interval the visitors went ahead with a second successful penalty.

Drybrook started the second half under heavy pressure but they weathered the storm and then regained the lead with another try. Luke Beard’s attempted penalty rebounded off the posts but Chris Rawlings was up quickly to snaffle the ball and it was moved out quickly to the corner where centre Leon Meek was able to squeeze over.  With 10 minutes to go Richians snatched the decisive try when they gathered a loose ball in midfield but poor defence created the space for the outside half to support on the outside and he touched down in the corner.

Drybrook continued to try and drive forward but poor handling and the wet conditions prevented them from closing the gap.

Drybrook team: Steve Williams, Chris White, Chris Rawlings, Leon Meek, Jamie Roberts, Luke Beard, Carl Moore, Tom Reed (capt), Chris Thomas, Scott Phelps, James Hillcoat, Dale Critchley, Craig Moore, Pete Meek, Neil Morgan.

Replacements: Steve Skelton, Julian Horrobin, Aaron Ryder