Dronfield back to winning ways on Farrell’s 150th Cap
Dronfield 34 – 26 Moortown
Trys: Wyton (2), Motlib, J Cooke
Cons: Farrell (4)
Pens: Farrell (2)

The return to Gosforth Fields after 3 away fixtures to top four sides couldn’t have come at a better time for Dronfield who again were forced to shuffle the back line. Joe Farrell on his 150th cap moved to 13 to support Chris Pond on debut with Billy Wyton making his first appearance in the No.10 jersey.

Dronfield who were playing up the slope against a significant wind struggled to exit their own half in the opening exchanges of the match with Moortown looking dangerous spreading the ball wide from numerous set pieces in the redzone. The hosts’ defence held firm as they kicked clear from a free kick. A quick line out led to a half break for Moortown and following a number of quick phases the opening try of the game was scored close to the uprights.

Moortown were quickly back in Dronfield territory before a crucial turnover from Adam Davies gave Dronfield quick ball leading to a break up the right touchline. This led to a controlled passage of play deep in Moortown territory as Dronfield built pressure. This pressure finally told when Wyton dummied his way through the defensive line to score his first try of the game and take the score to 7-7.

The remainder of the first half continued with Dronfield working hard to keep the pressure on Moortown despite playing up the hill into the strong wind. Farrell followed his earlier conversion with two penalties to stretch the lead to 13-7 at half time
Yellow cards for both teams to start the second half led to a disjointed passage of play to start the second half but the game broke open with a second Wyton try. From a set piece just outside the Moortown 22 the ball was spread wide and found the hands of Wyton in space letting him stroll in, to round of a brilliant team try. Farrell added the extras 20-7.

A second yellow card for the hosts gave Moortown a chance to edge back into the game as they began to run the ball from all areas of the pitch. A try from close range reduced the arrears but Dronfield regrouped and responded immediately. With the slope working in their favour Dronfield kicked well and kept Moortown pegged back. From a tap penalty Joe Cooke scored Dronfield’s own try from close range giving Dronfield some confidence to start playing with ball in hand 27 – 14.

The try of the match followed when from a wide ruck on the right hand side 30m out, the ball found its way to Chris Pond who spotted space in behind the defensive line. His crossfield kick was plucked out of the air by Jordan Motlib to run home and touch down for his first Dronfield try. At 34-14 the game looked out of site.

A final yellow card, this time for Farrell on his big day had Dronfield down to 13 men which gave Moortown the opportunity to run home two further tries 34-26. As time expired and Moortown pushed for a losing bonus point Dronfield turned the ball over and kicked out of play to finish the game.
A brilliant 5 point win has ended the losing streak ahead of a fallow week. This will be followed by a trip to Morley and the visit of Old Crossleyans as Dronfield push to get back into the top 4.