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Denia have certainly left themselves an uphill battle to retain their Valencia League One status for the coming season as they suffered their third consecutive defeat in the Relegation Group. At least Denia had the opportunity to play a different team, Elche, who they had not played against for over four years. Denia, with several changes from the previous week, once again started well against a bigger pack, but failure to turn possession into territory and points was to prove decisive. Elche, with limited options out wide, made better use of the ball driving up the middle and kicking deep and after the early exchanges, found themselves with a line out on the Denia 22. The Elche jumper failed to catch the ball, but it fell kindly to the Elche No.8 who collected unopposed at the back of the line out and skillfully chipped the covering defence to score. Denia fought back but a lack of speed to the breakdowns saw too many turnovers. Towards the end of the first half, Denia applied pressure and forced the Elche defence to give away a penalty in their own 22. Without a recognised goalkicker on the field, Denia spurned the three points and kicked to the corner, looking for the try. But the ball was scrappy from the lineout and Elche scrambled the ball away and then a break from the Elche winger saw Denia once again defending their own line. From the lineout the ball was not cleared and from the ensuing scrum, a missed tackle saw the Elche flyhalf cruise over for a converted try and a 12-0 half time lead. Denia kicked off the second half, but the Elche player who caught the ball evaded several weak would be tacklers, chipped the defence and was rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts after a push from a Denia player. It could have been worse for Denia as a penalty try was an option declined by the inexperienced referee. Elche took the three points and added another three ten minutes into the half. Denia then made several changes and the team finally came to life, punching holes in the Elche midfield. As the Elche forwards tired, Denia dominated the set pieces, but try scoring opportunities remained hard to create. With five minutes remaining strong runs from Tony, Xabia and Andy saw Kenny put Edu away in the corner. But it was too little too late and Elche held on for a deserved 18-5 victory. Three games remain, the first of which is at home to La Safor in Denia on Saturday at 2.30pm. Denia simply have to win. After the game both teams will watch the England/Wales Six Nations Match. Venues to watch the rugby include The Railway Tavern, Hostal Oasis and Centro 55. Denia RC: Adam,Adrian,Pescata,Dale,Andy,Geviny,Mac,Mateo, Shaun,Ian,Juan Luis,Nigel,Juan,Kenny,Yovanny,Chimo,Edu Vet,Hans,Xabia,Tony & Eddie.
The Cadeted (Under 17s) had a top of the table clash and third meeting of the season with local rivals La Vila. Denia made the short journey south knowing that victory would guarantee a Play Off place. La Vila are the only side to have beaten Denia this season, although Denia won the first encounter of the season in La Vila. Denia dominated both possession and territory in the first half, despite playing into a strong wind as La Vila failed to kick to any effect. Despite repeated pressure, Denia spurned several try scoring opportunities due to a lack of concentration at the key moments. A try from Inaki and a 5-0 half time lead was little reward for their efforts. But with the wind behind them and despite a spirited second half performance from La Vila, Denia used the boot to good effect and two converted tries from Juan gave Denia a deserved 19-0 lead. A late try from La Vila saw Denia run out winners 19-7. With five games remaining before the Semi Final Play Offs against the best team in the Valencia League, Denia must now maintain their concentration and efforts both in training and in matches. On Sunday, Denia players Juan and Sergio represented the Valencia Cadetes against the Balearia Cadetes. Valencia were the stronger side and also enjoyed a comfortable victory in the Juveniles (Under 19s) match. Both matches were held in Denia. Denia Cadetes: Pancho, Andreas,Blake,Nathan,Pepe,David,Bebo,Santiago,Aiden,Giuliano,Tom, Andrew,Sergio,Inaki,Juan,Oliver,Sam,Angel,Bobby,Loic & Ben.
Eddie D'Arcy - 680 739 821 -
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www.deniarugbyclub.com
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