Whitehall 8 pts Drybrook 17pts

Drybrook got their league campaign off to the best possible start with a well earned victory in Bristol. Whitehall came down from the Western Counties League last year and have recruited well in a bid to get straight back up but Drybrook were more than a match for them on the day.  The first half was very even with neither side able to get on top in the first half hour though the two best chances fell to Drybrook. The first came when flanker Craig Moore made a powerful run downfield and the ball was then fed wide but unfortunately the final pass was spilled. Minutes later a poor clearance kick went straight to Drybrook’s winger Carl Moore but he was denied an easy score due to a late tackle on the kicker.  Just before the break Whitehall had their best spell and although Drybrook defended resolutely they were unable to stop a try when they finally ran out of defenders.  Deep into first half injury time Whitehall added a penalty to give themselves an 8 point platform.

Drybrook started the second half strongly and were soon back in it when winger Dave Payne crossed in the corner following some good handling in the backs.  Whitehall continued to have the better possession from the set pieces but Drybrook kept themselves in it with good defence and always looked dangerous when they had the ball.  Into the last quarter the home side were pressing hard but fullback Steve Skelton broke their hearts with a 70 metre interception try converted by Tad Chapman.  Despite temporarily being down to 14 men with the loss of skipper Tom Reed to the sin bin Drybrook scored again when Julian Horrobin and Pete Meek combined down the blindside to give hooker Clive Boughton the inside pass for a try.  Drybrook could have added to their score in the dying minutes when Neil Morgan got over only to be called back for an offence at a ruck but overall Drybrook should feel very satisfied with their performance.

Drybrook team: Steve Skelton. Dave Payne, Chris Rawlings, Tad Chapman, Carl Moore, Julian Horrobin, Danny Griffiths, Tom Reed (Capt), Clive Boughton, Scott Phelps, John Duffin, Simon Ballinger, Craig Moore, Neil Morgan, Pete Meek. Replacements ; Mark Castree, Jim Hillcoat, Chris White.