Defensive resolve sees Dinnington to vital win

A superb second half rear-guard action by Dinnington brought a much-needed victory against Bradford and Bingley.
Dinnington RUFC v Morpeth. 
Duell Trueman.Dinnington RUFC v Morpeth. 
Duell Trueman.
Dinnington RUFC v Morpeth. Duell Trueman.

The 18-8 win took some pressure off their relegation fight in the North One East. They are now six points clear of the bottom three with four games to go although Durham City, the team directly below them, have a game in hand.

Dinnington came under pressure early on and soon found themselves defending a line-out close to their own line after Bees had kicked a penalty to the corner.

The home side set up a catch and drive but Dinnington stole the ball and cleared the danger. They chased their kick, regaining possession, and, after making ground, shipped the ball wide where Ryan Sorrell beat the last defender down the wing to score.

Dinnington kept the momentum up by quickly recycling any possession and five minutes later further good handling and strong running put Duell Trueman over in the corner. Jonny West’s conversion attempt hit the post leaving Dinnington 10-0 ahead.

With ten minutes of the half to go, Bees were awarded a penalty in front and opted for the points but Dinnington came back in the final minutes kicking a penalty to the corner. The catch and drive that followed was stopped short but they moved the ball wide for Matt Shaw to score in the corner for a 15-3 half-time lead.

A break by Trueman got them close and a catch and drive was stopped short of the line but both failed to bring points. Bees then responded and from the tenth minute of the half began to make an assault on the Dinnington defence by raising the pace of their game and taking quick-tap penalties.

Dinnington steeled themselves and repeatedly halted the home side. Fifteen minutes into the half, they lost a player to the bin but still refused to buckle and did not concede any points whilst a man down. Ten minutes from the end, Bees finally found a way through as they shipped the ball wide to score in the corner and five minutes later looked like drawing level as they drove for the line.

However, Dinnington frustrated them, winning a penalty which was advanced ten yards for dissent. A kick to the home twenty-two gave Dinnington their first attacking platform since the opening ten minutes of the half and when Bees gave away another penalty, West kicked the points to give Dinnington a well-deserved 18-8 victory after an awesome defensive display.

Dinnington have a week off before facing leaders Pocklington at home on March 25.

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