Hartpury show better form as Trent are hit by weather again
NOTTINGHAM Trent will be fizzing to get on the paddock next week as their fixture once again succumbed to inclement conditions.
They are now two games in deficit and, having contended with a host of injuries in the first half of the season, their strength and depth will once again be tested as they’ll have no fallow week in the season run- in.
Hartpury thus far have failed to live up to the lofty expectations they place upon themselves in their title defence. They were humbled by Loughborough in the season opener and further sub par performances have followed with their normally impregnable home fortress being breeched on more than one occasion.
However, 2018 is a new year and they kicked it off with an impressive bonus point victory away at Championship contenders Cardiff Met, winning 29-19.
Pury started at a lick and were 19-0 to the good within 12 minutes. In an attempt to assert themselves from the off, Met committed a handling error and Sam Leeming was quickest to respond. The No. 10 fly hacked from his own 22, showing deft touch and composure to gather and crah under the posts. He converted his own score.
Pury did not relent. Classy feet from Maliq Holden stood his opposite man up and fashioned the space and time to release Dwayne Burroughs who coasted across the line down the left wing.
Holden exploited the same flank moments later, when incisive, structured forward play created space wide, and hands did it with Burroughs again the beneficiary. Leeming nudged one of the brace.
The iminent Hartpury victory was thrown into question when Rob Fuller saw red for a high shot.
A penalty try followed and Alex Dombrandt capitalised for Met but the resurgence with Lemming slotting a pressure relieving penalty in between. With the game balanced at 22-12 a Hartpury driving maul obliterated the home side’s pack and a penalty try was awarded.
Dombrandt scored a late consolation, rampaging round the corner courtesy of some sumptuous sleight of hand in the centre field but by that stage the game was lost and Hartpury had bagged the bonus.
The league is lost but for the Gloucestershire outfit it was a marquee victory and Tom Pashley’s men have momentum going into the cup next month.
The only other game that took place saw Durham face down Leeds Beckett and the Palatinate were oh so close to securing the top table scalp they’ve desperately sought this season.
They led 20-8 and victory was in their sights but the ever resilient and relentless Leeds Beckett stole a draw 20-20 to leave Durham gutted.
Tries from Harry Baron, Saul MelvinFarr and Ben Fowles put the home side in the box seat but Beckett are gritty and they came back to claim two points. However they lose pace in their pursuit of Exeter who are still the leaders.