Sunday was a very proud day for Driffield Rugby Club. They hosted two Yorkshire County Rugby matches, including U17 men’s Yorkshire vs Durham and the Gill Burns championship Yorkshire vs Northumberland senior women’s county rugby fixture. It was a great public turnout for both games, the first of its nature to be welcomed to Kelleythorpe, with the clubhouse and grounds bustling and the balcony full.
Driffield’s own Will Carver skippered the U17s county side in the first game of the day, with Bjorn Binns and Joe Girking also on the team sheet and all putting in fantastic performances for Yorkshire. The game finished 24-12 to Durham, a strong and physical team whose pace dominated throughout.
In the women’s game, the Woldswomen proudly featured four players, with Rianna Manson starting at 6 as vice captain. Ellie Harding and Chloe Brocklebank were on the bench, with Tippi Wadsworth named as a travelling reserve, all gaining valuable county experience. The girls section supported with a guard of honor and pitch-side responsibilities, and what a great experience for them to enjoy a wonderful show of rugby on home soil. The game started strongly in Yorkshire’s favour, quick to score first, eager to get points on the board early. A well-read interception by Northumberland’s full-back saw an 80 meter try to score under the sticks, the only time the travelling team would cross the whitewash. Tries came thick and fast for Yorkshire, with a very special mention to Woldswoman Chloe Brocklebank coming off the bench and scoring a try of her own on the wing for her county team. The game finished 64-7 with a strong Yorkshire side retaining most of the possession and with a flurry of second-half tries as Northumberland struggled to grapple with the game.
The club provided a hub of entertainment and catering which was praised by Yorkshire County officials in attendance, with huge thanks to the local small businesses that supported the event and made it a great one : Top to Toe Teepees, Bold Brew, Of Slice and Men and Nics Ice creams. A proud day for all involved!
Yorkshire Women and staff (photo courtesy of Dereck Thomson)
Our Driffield Woldswomen representing Yorkshire this season (photo Courtesy of Dereck Thomson)
Want to be part of this success? Driffield Rugby Club are keen to recruit players of all levels and abilities for the 25/26 season. More information can be found on the club website online.