Sat 29 Jan 2022, 14:15
DK missed an early penalty attempt at goal before Zac Xiorouppa opened the scoring for North with a try that Elliott Murphy converted. This was soon followed by a Ben Rochelle try after good work from the forwards, Murphy converted to open up a 14 point lead for the visitors. Dudley then enjoyed a period of possession with their full back scoring out wide which was well converted to reduce the arrears. An infringement close to the Bridgnorth line saw Callum Bradbury sit out ten minutes in the bin, DK opted for a set piece scrum but good defence from the visitors kept the home side at bay. DK did make the most of their numerical superiority however converting two penalty attempts whilst North were down to 14 men to make the half time score 13 - 14.
The second period started with North back to full strength and a mid field scrum saw scrum half Gareth Bladen make a well timed pass to put Gregg Szczepanski in space to outpace the home defence to touch down for a converted score. Good hands through the backs gave Jordan Burgess the opportunity to beat a couple of defenders for a fine solo score out wide to earn the bonus point, the conversion just missing. A loose line out tap down close to the north line allowed DK to score a converted try but Elliott Murphy again kept north two scores in front with a successful penalty attempt. From the restart DK regained possession and scored a converted try to make the score 27 - 29 and set up a nail biting finish. A dangerous clear out at a ruck saw a DK forward sit out the remainder of the game in the sin bin, Murphy missed two late penalty attempts but north were able to retain possession and use up time to hold on for a fine bonus point victory.
The win maintains North's second place in the league table, a rest next weekend is followed by the visit of local rivals and table topping Newport on 12th February
