Sat 14 Mar 2020
Ludlow RFC v DKRFC Saturday 20/3/20
Ludlow welcomed DK to the Linney for a match which, for many locals and indeed the faithful DK supporters, was a game with a number of conundrums. Would the rain stay away long enough to allow play to continue ? Would the river stay beneath the banks ? Would we get off the car park and not need Shilly to pull us out ? Full credit to Ludlow for doing everything possible to get the game on and for their warm and friendly welcome.
The game was an important one for both sides as DK looked for the points to regain top spot and Ludlow aimed to repeat their performance of last week, where they only just came up short against the league leaders. Kicking off into a stiff breeze ,DK took the game to Ludlow and the forwards pushed deep into the Ludlow 22. A passage of play lasting almost ten minutes saw DK camped within sight of the Ludlow line. Callum Nicholls ,playing at number 8 in the absence of Pete Griffiths, orchestrated the attacks but a determined Ludlow front 5 managed to halt the DK pack. Following significant carries, by props Aaron Hudson and Jake Thompson, the Ludlow forwards infringed and Sam Vaughan converted the resulting penalty after 13 minutes to make the score Ludlow 0 DK 3. Ludlow then crossed the half way line for only the second time in the half but mention here for Harry Bayliss who, with two trademark kicks, forced the Ludlow pack back into their own 22. A little frustration seemed to creep into the DK play as openings were created and a combination of knock-ons and spilled ball meant the score remained intact until halt-time.
A few choice words from the DOR appeared to do the trick as DK recovered the ball from the kick off and a determined run, which included some fine handling and off loads from the half backs, saw Charlie Baffour touch down out wide after only 56 seconds of the second half. Conversion missed so the score was now Ludlow 0 DK 8.
By now the DK pack was beginning to exert continued pressure and openings appeared for the backs to show why they have been a consistent force in this league. An injury on 48 minutes to Will Hancox, who had continued his fine run of form with an outstanding display, saw Richard Kelley join the front row with Kez Williams and he must have been surprised to find himself, on 57 minutes, with ball in hand, in space so he shipped it instantly to Ryan Smitherman who in turn dummied the oncoming centres and had a simple run in to the line. The try was converted by Sam Vaughan, Ludlow 0 DK 15
By now DK were much more relaxed and playing their own game. James Ryan was assured in the line outs and Dan Marsh even managed one of his, by now famous, giraffe runs which was only halted by some determined tackling; but he insisted afterwards he was saving his hamstring. On 63 minutes DK were again camped in the Ludlow 22 and Harry Bayliss took a short pass from scrum half Joe Dunn to go in under the posts and, with the conversion by Sam Vaughan, DK had moved to 22-0 and in sight of a bonus point try.
This duly came on 71 minutes when Stef Shillingford made the best of a desperate attempt to clear the lines, by the Ludlow full back , to run in for the 4th try and a final score of:
Ludlow 0 DK 27
Mention here for an excellent second half and the determined tackling by Ludlow who will be quite a force in this League next year. Who knows the outcome of the present crisis but, whatever the outcome over the coming weeks, this DK side have shown a consistent level of commitment and determination this season. Next week: Stoke on Trent at Heathbrook KO 3pm Keep up to date with all information on the Club Website.
Match Report this week by Ian Bratt
