DMP welcomed the reigning Premiership Champions Saracens to Acklam RFC who kindly offered their fantastic facilities as the Northen Echo Arena was unavailable and it was a real showcase of rugby talent across the north as Acklam Avengers took on Barnsley RFC and the DMP U15s team coached by Sharks player Rebecca Scholes took on Sunderland RFC U 15s in only their second fixture.
DMP were pleased to welcome back Jo Brown from injury and two players making their debuts Rachael Woosey and England’s Latoya Mason
At 2pm DMPs Latoya Mason got the game underway the ball was secured by Saracens who immediately tested Sharks’ defence with some penetrating runs using their forwards to great effect, this pressure immediately told as DMP conceded a penalty deep in their own half.
Saracens shunned the easy points and kicked for the corner maintaining the early pressure, they secured their own lineout ball their forward pack driving it towards DMPs try line, DMPs forwards competed well and stopped the forward momentum,Saracens quickly whipped the ball out through their backs stretching DMP, working the ball over the try line but DMPs magnificent defence managed to get a hand under the ball preventing a certain try which resulted in a 5 metre scrum.
Saracens were not finished as they again made it over the try line only to be held up again by the resolute DMP defence.
The game continued at a frenetic pace with Saracens piling on the pressure, the pressure eventually told when on nine minutes Saracens Captain Sonia green crossed the line not converted leaving the Score DMP 0 Saracens 5.
The DMP girls responded with some pressure of their own as their forwards forced their way deep into Saracens territory, the ball was whipped out to the backs and quick hands saw great ground made only for Saracens to concede a penalty. Captain Tamara Taylor elected to go for posts and up stepped Sam Jamieson to slot the ball between the uprights bringing the score to DMP 3 Saracens 5 with 14 minutes gone.
Saracens as you would expect from the current champions responded, they continued to pile on the pressure, the DMP girls held their own until the 25th minute when Saracens Lotte Clapp ran from the back of a maul to dot down in the right hand corner (try not converted) making the score DMP 3 Saracens 10.
The confidence was now flowing through the champions as they quickly passed the ball through their backs space was spotted to DMPs left and Saracens Lauren Cattell showed a great turn of pace to score under the posts converted leaving the score on 30 minutes DMP 3 Saracens 17.
The pressure was again cranked up by Saracens as wave after wave of attack was met by resolute DMP defence epitomised by Ruth Nash who sustained a severe cut to the head trying to prevent another attack, this wasn’t seen by the officials and play wasn’t stopped, Saracens Lotte Clapp ran through to score her second not converted leaving the half time score DMP 3 Saracens 22.
Saracens got the second half underway, the ball was secured by DMP but kicked straight back to Saracens Lauren Cattell who again showed great pace to round the DMP defence to score which was converted leaving the score DMP 3 Saracens 29.
DMP were under the cosh and on 50 minutes Saracens Lauren Cattell again broke free to score which was converted taking the score to DMP 3 Saracens 36.
This young DMP side has showed great character this season and it was evident again as Saracens threw everything but the kitchen sink at them for the next 15 minutes but they held firm
Saracens on 65 minutes managed to break through great footwork and support play saw the fresh legs of Carrie Roberts over the try line converted leaving the score DMP 3 Saracens 43.
The DMP girls continued to show great character competing at every break down, never letting their heads drop, they secured possession, passed the ball out quickly through the backs to England winger Ruth Laybourn who showed what great pace she has, Saracens cover was quick to close down the space so Ruth elected to kick ahead she chased her own kick gathered the ball but unfortunately knocked on just before dotting down due to great pressure from Saracens cover defence.
Saracens continued to pressurise the DMP girls, a great interception by Saracens Marcella Collins saw her with a free run in to dot down in the left hand corner (try not converted) leaving the score on 75 minutes DMP 3 Saracens 48.
The DMPs girls continued to battle despite immense pressure, Latoya Mason threw a huge miss pass to Rebecca Scholes who off loaded to substitute Rachael Woosey she showed a fantastic turn of pace only to be stopped by a last ditch tackle, a great clear out by DMP secured the ball for Fi Davidson who showed great awareness to snipe from the back of the ruck for a great try (try not converted) to bring the final score to DMP 8 Saracens 48.
DMP ladies extended a massive thank you to Acklam RFC for being fantastic hosts.
Report by Samantha Jamieson
