Where do we start...

Billingham travelled into the heart of Yorkshire to face unbeaten Driffield. What faced Billingham was a tough week ahead of the game. Upon last count there was over 25 players unavailable for the game meaning selection was tough. Injuries, work commitments, holidays to name a few reasons left DoR Peter Evans with a headache.

A decision to name just 16 players for the first team was a big call.... with 2 on hand with the 2s if needed. It was a big call but one that worked!

The sun was shining but the rain threatening. The wind was up so the hope that the wind would keep those grey clouds passing over. The Driffield pitch was immaculate. It was in great condition which would allow for free flowing rugby from both sides.

Billingham kicked off going down the gentle slope. Billingham pinned Driffield back in their own 22. Driffield looking to play but Billinghams up front defence was on point. Low, scything tackles from Ben Walton and Kieran Clark allowed Anth Jackson to jackal over the ball. The referee showed no hesitation in penalising Driffiled for holding on. Jobe Roxby stepped up and nudged the 3 points from in front of the posts. 0-3.

Driffield restarted, Billingham gathered possession. 2 phases allowed Peter Evans to kick down field into the Driffield 22. Driff played out. Billingham the attack for 3 phases. Nothing seemed to be on for Driffield. One man runners were causing problems until Driffields number 8 got the ball in space. The rangy runner brushed off 2 would be Billingham defenders on the half way line. Now in acres of space he put the foot down. Again a further missed tackle allowed the player to cross the white wash from 60 metres. 3-5 Conversion missed.

Driffield's tails were up. Their crowd now had a buzz... cries of 'get at them Driff' could be heard from around the ground. Another score from the men in blue showed why Driffield were unbeaten. They showed they some great ball play and utilised their big runners well. 3-12

There had only been 12 minutes on the clock... This could go one of two ways. A big thumping or Billingham to retaliate and get back on track.

Thankfully it was the latter. Billingham dominated possession. Wilson and Youll made good yards in the centres. Evans used his runners well. The front rowers were showcasing their scrummaging skills. It was Billinghams back rowers that made the big dent. Burns running into the Driff defence with no apparent care for his own body. Anth Jackson picked and carried well, bouncing off would be tacklers. It was the powerful Dan Dixon who made a big dent in the defence taking 4 defenders with him. Driff were quickly penalised from the resulting ruck.

A scrum was chose by skipper Elliott Husband. A decision that proved decisive. From the base of the scrum, Dixon found Evans who in turn popped it to Luke Wilson. With Peter Youll on the cut back it allowed Luke Wilson to use him as a dummy runner. The Driff defenders were fooled and Wilson crossed the line untouched. Jobe Roxby converted. 12-10.

Billingham dominated possession for the next 12 minutes or so. Repeated infringements from Driffield allowed Billingham to pin Driff down in their own 5 metre line. Billingham showed great composure with some great carries from Myers and Brown. Dan Dixon used his size and power to great effect to score from 2 metres out carrying 3 defenders with him. Jobe Roxby converted. 12-17

Everything was going Billinghams way. Mistakes from Driff allowed Billingham to capitalise. A line out in the 22 saw Billingham take the ball and maul their way to the 5 metre line. A reverse switch of play from Conner Foley to Dan Burns who had an easy run in only to be pulled back from an offside player. The referee clearly had enough resulting in a 10 minute break for the Driff player.

Driff now down to just 7 men in the scrum. Elliott called for the scrum. With the introduction of the sizeable Witness Mandizha into the second row only meant one thing for the Billingham pack. A dip of the hips and the Driff pack were soon walking backwards. Anth Jackson showed great composure with the ball at his feet to then score. The passion and determination was clear from the men in green. Roxby converted 12-24.

Half time

12-24

The teams were back on the park. Alot of work was going to be needed by Driff if they were to get back into the game.

However Billingham had other ideas. With just 2 minutes on the clock of the 2nd half, Luke Wilson burst through the middle of the pitch. He fixed the 15 and found Ben Walton in support who ran in from 15 metres despite the would be tacklers. Jobe Roxby converted. 12-31

The second half didnt have the edge or excitement like the first half. What it did have was a showcase piece in defending.

Driffield dominated the next 15/20 minutes. Billingham were resilient. Youll was a force in defence. The Billingham pack were immense. Driffield continually attacked. On the 68th minute Myers turned the ball over in the Billingham 22. Quick ball from Foley saw Evans and Wilson combine. Luke Wilson ran the 60 metres towards the try line. A trip, a step and a would be tackler finally saw Wilson score. Jobe Roxby converted. 12-38.

Billingham seemed to let their foot off the gas as Driffield attempted to push for a bonus point try. They fell just short despite scoring in the last minute. 19-38.

It was a tale of two halves... DoR Peter Evans added 'It has been a tough week. The senior section have really stepped up across the 1s,2s and 3s. Our defence is great today, It was backs against the wall at times but we really stepped up. Our club motto is Our Spirit is Our Strength... this was clearly shown today! Heath is next. Another team unbeaten. Its going to be another tough week ahead!'

Get down next week for a huge game next week. Heath at home!

#OSIOS