Droitwich Gold U16 v Moseley U16

Sunday, 21st November, 2004

The Droitwich RFC Gold Under 16 side entertained Moseley RFC in the first round of the North Mids Cup on Sunday, 21st November.

In miserable grey, muddy conditions any ideas of expansive rugby were dismissed, the match became a grind of two forward packs. The first half became a series of scrums, lineouts and rucks, with no rugby being played at all. Droitwich controlled the major amount of possession but played too deep in their own half and never looked like scoring. Moseley had two opportunities to score tries but succeeded in dropping a very muddy, slippery ball. Half time score was 0-0.

The second period followed the same path as the first. Droitwich had the dominant scrum and lineout which, through various reasons, failed to function. However, they still controlled the ball and Moseley did not appear to be a threat. Then, completely out of the blue, a missed tackle allowed the Moseley right winger to score out wide. The conversion was missed.

This seemed to galvanise Droitwich and, after a series of attacks at the Moseley line, a strong surge from the no.8 from the back of a scrum resulted in Paul Byrne going over for the equalising try. Unfortunately the conversion was missed.

Literally from the restart another ruck was formed, events got out of hand and a mass brawl ensued. The referee decided to abandon the game after witnessing some shameful scenes including a Droitwich player being kicked in the head whilst defenceless on the ground. He required subsequent hospital attention. It was a very sorry end to a competitive game which, up until the end, was played in good spirit.

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