Western Counties North

Gordon League 36

A DISAPPOINTING performance from Drybrook saw Gordon League run out comfortable victors in this league encounter at The Mannings.

A strong diagonal wind made life difficult for both teams, but Drybrook failed to take advantage in the first-half with some aimless kicking that simply served to turn over possession.

League used their bigger forwards to constantly batter Drybrook and though the home side eight battled gamely, they could not provide a good enough platform.

The only try of the first-half came on 16 minutes from an opportunistic run through a gap in midfield.

Gordon League added to this score on 20 minutes with a penalty when Drybrook were caught offside.

Although the home side enjoyed lots of possession and good field positions, they were guilty of making too many unforced errors.

Within minutes of the restart Gordon League were back on the attack.

Drybrook held out for a long period but the relentless pressure finally told with a try in the corner that was followed by a towering conversion.

League continued to use the wind intelligently to keep Drybrook on the back foot. A terrible mix-up in defence gifted the visitors another try.

League went further ahead from a kick and chase, then rounded things off with a try on the overlap.

The Greenway Cafe man of the match award went to Drybrook's Dean Large, who put in a commanding performance in the second-row.

Drybrook: Simon Rugman, Sam Peaper, Dan Cox, Danny Griffiths, Gareth Jones, Max Davies, Tom Treherne, Lee Phelps, Ashley Howells, Steve Virgo, Liam Jackson, Dean Large, Lee Ward (capt), Dan Price, Peter Meek. Reps: Ben Warren, Chris Rawlings, Dean Jelf.

DRYBROOK United's match with Whitehall ended 15 minutes early following a neck injury to Drybrook flanker Richard Nottingham.

The unfortunate Nottingham was making his debut for Drybrook. He was treated on the pitch by ambulance staff as a precaution.

Drybrook were trailing 19-0 when the game ended. Mitch Bourne had a fine match for the Foresters.

Drybrook United: Andy Milner, Tony Paull, John Jeffs, Steve Skelton, Dan Large, Aiden Price, Bobby Walding, Ian Pritchard, Mike Davies, Dave Green, Steve Turley, Jason Butcher, Richard Roberts, Richard Nottingham,Mitch Bourne. Rep: Chris Parker.