Dodworth’s suffer first loss of season.

Dodworth ARLFC for the second successive week travelled to Halifax to face newly relegated Illingworth in weather which was in stark contrast from last week.
After a twenty minute arm-wrestle in the overbearing sun, Dodworth emerged the better side after a close range try from Dave Mann. The remaining twenty minutes of the first half saw the visitors fail to capitalise on numerous failed attempts by the Illingworth full-back to field the high ball. Despite Dodworth’s kicking game being the better of the two, weak defence then saw the away side concede four unanswered tries to trail 22-6 at half time.
Dodworth emerged from the break a much more organised and aggressive side and bossed the second half. Andy Cutler broke the line for Dave Mann to race 60 metres only to be stopped yards short of the line, with Cutler following up for Dodworth’s second try. Rob Hodgson also crossed the whitewash but it was the last try of the game for Dodworth.
For the second week on the trot, Dodworth’s failure to capitalise on mistakes and sloppy drift defence were the overriding factors in a hard fought match in humid conditions. The final score was 26-18.
Chris Duckett was the referees Man of the Match after an impressive game and a 100% kick/conversion rate. The 3-2-1 award went to Daniel Blanchard, Dave Mann and Paul Saunders respectively. Other players worthy of mention for tireless workrate are Jon Cronk, Dave Simms, Gary Sykes and Scott Blackley
Dodworth now have a weeks break before the Division 1 games continue.