Thirds keep form going

DINNINGTON thirds continued their good form but were somewhat relieved that they had done enough in the first half to withstand a spirited performance by Stocksbridge in the second.

There was not much between the two sides in the opening minutes but it was Dinnington who went ahead after five minutes when, almost from nothing, Richard Pettican burst clear to score under the posts.

David Bell converted.

Dinnington got on top in the scrums and play was mainly concentrated in the visitor’s half.

However, Stocksbridge missed a glorious chance to level when they broke clear only to mistake the five-metre line for the try line giving Dinnington the chance to recover.

Dinnington themselves missed an ’open goal’ when they knocked on with the line at their mercy and it was not until mid-way through the half before they scored again.

This time Nathan Parry scored with Bell converting.

Both sides missed further chances when it seemed easier to score but Dinnington were able to stretch their lead before half time as their dominance in the forwards created tries for Oliver Williamson and Bell. Bell converted both.

On the stroke of half-time the home side had an even better chance but, with a three on one overlap available, they tried to run through the last defender only to spill the ball.

Dinnington were faced with a more tenacious Stocksbridge in the second half and this produced a more competitive second half, if a bit messy.

Stocksbridge looked likely to break through the home defence several times in the opening minutes but Dinnington always did enough to counter and after this opening burst the visitors never really threatened again.

Dinnington should have added to their lead several times but too many players waited for things to happen rather than trying to create them themselves or chose not to pass the ball when they had a man advantage.

Mid-way through the half, after some sustained pressure Lee Thompson crashed over for an unconverted try but despite enjoying the majority of the territorial advantage this was the only score of the second half.