RUGBY: Battling away win for resurgent Dees

With the wind behind them in the first half, Dees were hoping to use it to their advantage, however the conditions proved difficult when handling the ball and a number of errors were made.

Dees did manage to get the upper hand in the scrum on a number of occasions though as they opted to go for the corner from the penalties.

The line-out functioned well, but unfortunately they surrendered the ball a little too easily in open play and Rushden were able to clear their lines.

Dunstablians were then reduced to 14 men as Gavin Denning was yellow carded for an off the ball incident.

Rushden took full advantage by creating an overlap on the wing and touched down to lead 5-0.

The remainder of the half was a scrappy affair as both sides were unable to put together a sustained amount of pressure, although Dees did reduce the deficit to 5-3 with a Pete Thompson penalty.

In the second period, Rushden had the elements in their favour, but Dees’ defence wouldn’t buckle.

Rhys Thomas was sin-binned for an infringement, but the visitors held firm and were able to clear their lines.

Dunstablians were finally able to mount some pressure of their own though, but Scott Warren saw his try disallowed as the referee felt the ball wasn’t grounded.

They did have the lead shortly afterwards as Thompson slotted over another penalty.

The crucial try followed when a kick forward was collected by Danny Mills who made good ground.

The ball was recycled well through powerful carries from Stuart Calder, Matthew Knight and Aaron White, with White on hand to power over from close range.

The conversion was missed, but Dees kept the ball tight for the remainder of the game and secured a welcome victory.

This Saturday, Dunstablians travel Midlands Two West North side Bridgnorth in the quarter-finals of the Midlands Intermediate Cup.