Losing bonus point for Dinnington firsts

York 25

DINNINGTON claimed their first point of the season, a losing bonus point, but they were very disappointed not to have had more.

Both sides came into the game without a win and York, assisted by the elements, made the first move to break their duck by opening the scoring with a converted try after seven minutes.

Dinnington showed good spirit as they came into the game and their efforts bore fruit as a penalty from Darren Cannadine cut the deficit after 15 minutes. F

York restored their seven-point advantage with a penalty and this heralded a period of pressure from the away side.

Dinnington did not help themselves by trying to attack from every part of the field when a simple kick into touch would have been more prudent and the build up of pressure resulted in York scoring a second converted try to lead 17-3 with 10 minutes of the half to play.

Further pressure from York resulted in Cannadine being sent to the bin but, surprisingly, down to 14 men, Dinnington began to play better.

A good drive up the field was temporarily halted when a mêlée broke out in the forwards.

Once calm had been restored Dinnington were able to set up a series of drives that finished with Matthew Starr crossing for an unconverted try.

Unfortunately, Dinnington were probably still celebrating as York came straight back and literally walked over in the corner to go into half time 22-8 ahead.

The game was still in the balance as Dinnington made a strong start to the second half.

Ben Ilsley broke from the back of a scrum close to the visitors’ line and touched down before the defence had time to react. Cannadine added the conversion.

With their tails up, Dinnington came straight back and 15 minutes into the half were awarded a kickable penalty.

However, in their exuberance, they took a quick tap but lost possession and then gave away a penalty trying to retrieve.

York took play back upfield and Cannadine was yellow-carded for a second time and sent off.

Once again Dinnington began to play better with only 14 men.

They had four excellent scoring opportunities but York’s defence showed great resilience as they twice bundled wingers into touch just short and twice repelled strong drives for the line.

As the game went into its final minutes, Dinnington’s attention began to change from trying to win the game to trying to hold onto their losing bonus point.

It seemed to have been lost when York won a penalty in front of the home posts in the final minute and converted to go ten points clear.

Dinnington had another player sin-binned in the process.

But in injury time Dinnington were given a lifeline as they won a penalty in the visitors 22 which they were forced to kick.

Bryn Evans was on target to save the day but what might have been had Dinnington opted to take a similar kick earlier in the half?

On Saturday Dinnington travel to Barnsley who were promoted as Yorkshire Division Two champions last year.