Driffield 31 – 14 Blaydon : Saturday, 24 January 2026

This was a frustrating game for spectators to watch : the first half was littered with unforced errors by both sides.  The half-time score of 7-7 was a fair reflection, even though Driffield probably had the slight upper hand but did not turn it into points.

The second half was even more difficult to watch.  Both sides either decided to make a mess of every ruck, or the decisions did not go their way.  Neither side seemed to get to grips with it and the penalty count went through the roof.  Finally the refreee had no choice but to give two soft yellow cards for each side.

That said, in the second half, Driffield came fast out of the blocks in the second half before the game bogged down, and this made the difference.

A win is a win, however attractive the play, and is a good five points for the Woldsmen, taking them above Blaydon to fifth place.

• 14:14 : Blaydon kick off
• 14:21 : Scurry in at the right corner from 20 out.  Runs round to narrow the angle. Napier converts D 7 – 0 B
• 14:34 : Blaydon penalty 25 out, to touch.
• 14:35 : Followed by and another 5 out
• 14:38 : Blaydon 10 finds a gap 25 out.  Napier stops him 5 out left
• 14:39 : Blaydon chip it right from 5 out left.  Winger collects and scores, converted. D 7 – 7 B
• 14:47 : Blaydon 8 yellow card.
• 14:52 : Driffield penalty on Blaydon 22, kicked to touch. Ball taken, but infringed at line out. Free kick Blaydon
• 14:56 : Robson pinches the ball at the line 10m from our line. Goes 50.  Hands on.  Many hands.  Attack halted 5 out.

14:56 : Half time 7 each

• 15:04 : Driffield kick off.
• 15:07 : Rix carries from the 20.  Goes 10.  Finds Hughes, who powers through to score right of sticks.  Napier converts D 14 – 7 B
• 15:10 : Blaydon clearance collected by Hughes. Stopped one metre out. Popped to Robinson who makes the last yard. Napier converts D 21 – 7 B
• 15:24 : Blaydon penalty 5 out. Tap and go held up over the line
• 15:37 : Ben Styche gets the ball on Blaydon 10, beats three to go through to score left of sticks for bonus point try. Napier converts D 28 – 7 B
• 15:40 : Dinnell yellow
• 15:43 : Blaydon rumble down left side and their 8 goes through to score.  Converted. D 28 – 14 B
• 15:44 : Napier penalty. D 31 – 14 B

15:46 : Full time

• 2nd XV 17 v. 34 Hull Ionians 2nd XV (Buccaneers) (Away)
• 3rd XV 17 v. 22 Pocklington 2nd XV (Panthers) (Home)
• 4th XV 31 v. 14 Goole 2nd XV (Home)
• Women’s 1st XV v. Sheffield Women (Home)
• Colts XV v. Hornsea RUFC U18 (Away)

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