This match and, specifically HI’s 1st half performance, epitomised what can happen when a
team of talented individuals come together with determination, discipline, desire and a
combined will to win as a team. Borthwick take note.

Considering the level of talent that was not available for selection, those that took the field
yesterday all made admirable contributions which produced yet another 5pt away win against a quality N2N squad.
Prior to kick-off, both sides sat on 67 points each in 4th and 5th positions in N2N. We expected a
hard game and despite what you may read into the scoreline, that is what we got.

HI’s attacked immediately from the kick-off, unsettling DMP. This led to HI’s opening the
scoring with a kick and chase, clinically finished by Mal Holden. Ben Smith missed the
conversion: 4 mins 0-5.

DMP were still wondering what had just happened when HI’s hit them again. A well take
line-out, catch and drive with Owen Hanson-Church touching down. Ben Smith converted: 8
mins, 0-12.

At this point, HI’s wing George Hotchen was unlucky enough to take a bad knock to his
hip and has to be replaced by Oliver Rimmington.

HI’s were now dominating the match and soon produced a similarly good line-out, catch and
drive for Adam Brankley to touch down. Smith missed the conversion: 13mins, 0-17.

DMP were without doubt combatant but were coming a resounding 2nd best. Much against
the run of play, a mix up in HI’s impressive defence allowed DMP’s Oliver to score and Ward
added the conversion: 15mins, 7-17.

HI’s regrouped and carried on where they had left off in dominating possession and
attacking DMP at every opportunity. Some more good work in midfield saw Mal Holden
break through DMP’s despairing defence to score his 2nd try. Smith again converted. 18mins,
7-24.

The game was being played at some pace and DMP were now seeing some ball but they
were being persistently harassed by HI’s massively effective tackling. DMP eventually
proved they are no soft touch when they worked the ball down to HI’s line for No8. Callum
Mackenzie to crash over from close range. Ward converted: 26mins, 14-24.

Just before Half time, HI’s were to score what would prove to be their last score of the day
when more great handling saw Mal Holden, again, run free to score his hat-trick try: 40 mins,
14-31.

Half-Time: 14-31.

The 2nd half was brutal. A war of attrition with both sides asking nothing and giving nothing.
There were few scoring chances but those that did present themselves were either
mishandled or snuffed out by impressive defensive work. DMP took the only score of the 2nd
half when Thompson dotted down wide out and Ward missed the conversion: 75mins, 19-31.

Full Time: 19-31.

Over post-match drinks, impressive, spirited, dominant, feisty, resolute, gutsy, along with
other superlatives, were all heard to describe HI’s performance. The set piece was solid, the
lineout worked well, we kicked well, we moved the ball with confidence and tackled with
ferocity.

All involved played their part and all contributed to providing as fine a 1st half of
rugby that we have seen from this squad of young men. It was difficult to pick a Man of the
Match but, after much debate, and drinks, we opted for Greg Minikin. Greg might not have
troubled the score board but his wholehearted display typified the spirit of the team on the
day.

In recent weeks, we have had 5pt victories against the Clubs that today sit 2nd , 3rd and 5 th in
N2N. That is a really good effort. Well done to all involved.
Gallery courtesy of the DMP website and photographer Andy Hall

https://www.mowdenpark.com/photos/mowden-park-v-hull-ionians-21st-feb-2026-1166883.html