A massive weekend of rugby ahead for three of our senior men’s teams ahead.
1st XV travel to Scarborough looking to keep the pressure on Ilkley for top spot; 2nd XV welcome Sheffield 2nds in the Yorkshire Merit Premiership play-off; and the 3rd XV host Malton 2nd XV in the Merit Eastern League playoff.
Our 1st XV will headto local rivals Scarborough looking to finish the season strongly and confirm a guaranteed 2nd place finish at worse. As mentioned last time, Ilkley have a game in hand against Bradford & Bingley : there is every chance that might not get played, but head to Consett tomorrow. Their two games will more than Iileky give them 10 points and jump them to top spot. A win for us at Scarborough will confirm 2nd place. Heath, currently 3rd, travel to Pocklington.
We played well last time out against Pocklington. Some might say we got lucky with our late try to take the win, but it was generally a good performance and a win in local derby is always in doubt. It will be the same this weekend at Scarborough – I am sure they would like nothing more than beating us right now.
Scarborough travelled to Heath last weekend. Heath sent them back with 0 points, 72 – 5. Scarborough have struggled at times this season : the league proves that P25, W12, D1, L12 and sitting 8th in the league with 65 points. Their last win was back in February, beating Durham City 49-14 at Scarborough. Their stand-out performance should be taken as a warning to Driffield : they beat Ilkley 32-20 at Scarborough at the beginning of February.
A few changes in the Driffield lineup. Skipper Mewburn has got a few niggles, and has called time on this season to get them sorted in time for next season. A shuffle around from last week’s squad covers his loss very well. Sowersby moves from centre to flanker, Rix moves from wing to centre and Short comes off the bench to start on the wing. Pettinger is not available, so Blenkinsop starts and Furbank joins the bench. Jenkinson takes the skipper role. Scurry and Warren-Lambert complete the bench.
2nd XV are also looking to finish the season strongly. Having had a great season they now have their moment to shine, hosting Sheffield 2nds in their playoff, the other playoff see York host Wharfedale.
3rd XValso have their time to shine, hosting Malton 2nd’s in their playoff, either BP or Pocklington 2nds wait for the winners.
Both these games are 3pm KOs, so please come down and show some support if you can.
Driffield RUFC 1st XV v Scarborugh XV 1st XV, Saturday 23/04/2022, 3pm KO.
Good Luck to all in Blue, Black and White.
