Scoreless draw keeps both sides winless

DARLINGTON Mowden Park Sharks and Firwood Waterloo must wait for a first win this season after they played out an incredible scoreless draw.

It was clear from the start of the game that the weather would play a big part, heavy wind and rain making conditions very difficult for both teams.

Play was stuck in midfield for the majority of the first half, knock-ons and good defence causing many changes in possession.

Firwood Waterloo managed to retain the ball for a stretch at the end of the first half and, through great kicking from Bethany Stott, played inside the visitor’s half. Despite well over five minutes of solid pressure DMP Sharks’ defence held out and the half ended scoreless – although with points seemingly not far away.

However, the second half started with even more rainfall, heavier winds and again the ball stuck in midfield between two evenly matched teams.

Firwood Waterloo looked to their bench to try and break the stalemate.

Changes to the front row did make an immediate impact as they turned over a DMP Sharks scrum, although not enough of a difference to put points on the board.

The scoreline did not represent the entertainment game put on by both teams, working through very difficult conditions as they chased a breakthrough.

There was brilliant team play throughout the game as well as some stand-out individual performances, but they both remain without a win this year and the pressure is very much on as we approach winter.