Driffield 1st and 2nd XVs both travelled up to Alnwick. The 1st XV were looking for a win to maintain their challenge for the top of the league.
Driffield kicked off and, from the start, looked to show Alnwick they had not made the long journey just for the bus trip, spending the first ten minutes inside the Alnwick 22. However, strong defence repelled the Driffield attacks and Alnwick finally cleared their lines.
On 15 minutes and with their first visit to the Driffield 22, Alnwick found a gap and scored to left the left of the posts, which was converted. A 7 – 0 D.
From the restart, Driffield continued thier positive start, once again getting into the Alnwick 22, but not managing to cross the try line. This time however, Alnwick were penalised. Kalani Grant took the initiative with a quick tap and caught the Alnwick defence asleep to score Driffield’s first try, and converted it. A 7 – 7 D
Once again, Driffield looked the more likely to score the next points, with continued pressure in the Alnwick 22. Alnwick continued with their excellent defence, with Driffield not being able to break through.
It was Alnwick that managed the next points, after clearing thier lines once again. Driffield gave away a penalty, and Alnwick took the three points. A 10 – 7 D Half Time.
Both teams started the second half knowing they were in a battle and no backward step was taken. After ten minutes, Alnwick managed to get some territory and crossed the Driffield line for their second try of match, converted. A 17 – 7 D.
Driffield needed to find some way to get the score board moving in thier favour. They managed this after 20 mins in the second half, awarded a penalty. Kalani Grant took the three points on offer. A 17 – 10 D
Ten minutes later, Kalani Grant took another three points with another penalty, A 17 – 13 D.
The travelling Driffield support were starting to think we were going to snatch the win. but it wasn’t to be. With a couple of minutes left to play, Alnwick scored their third try, converted from out wide. A 24 – 13 D.
The late try confirmed Alnwick as the winners on the day, and also deprived Driffield of a losing BP. Full Time.
Alnwick, as usual, proved to be a tough place for us to visit. We had enough possession and territory to win the game, but Alnwick’s defence was very strong and they deserved their win.
We were unlucky to come away with nothing, but that’s rugby. With Harrogate and York both losing, this could be a missed chance. But there are likley to be many more twists and turns left in the remaining fixtures for the top four teams (Alnwick now sit fifth and are still in the hunt).
The 2nd XV made the trip home a little better for all on the bus, winning 31 – 22.
Three league games left for us : away at Heath on the 16th, home to Ilkley on the 23rd and then a visit to Harrogate on the final day, 6th April. It really is still to play for.
15 mins : Alnwick Try, Converted
18 mins : K Grant Try, Converted K Grant
37 mins : Alnwick Pen
HT 10 – 07
51 mins : Alnwick try, Converted
62 mins : Driffield Pen, K Grant
69 mins : Driffield Pen, K Grant
76 mins : Alnwick Try, Converted
FT Alnwick 24 – 13 Driffield
Other results
2nd XV v. Alnwick 2 (Away) won 31-22
3rd XV v. Beverley 2 (Home) won 39-17
4th XV v. Grimsby 2 (Away) won/lost nn – mm
Ladies 1st XV v. Crewe & Nantwich Ladies (Away) lost 34–39