Denia Cadetes (Under 17s) 37-10 Alicante University Cadetes Denia Rugby Club 20-12 Alicante University Rugby Club Denia Rugby Club started their League campaign with an outstanding performance in very difficult conditions against title favourites Alicante University on Saturday. The day started with another excellent performance from the Cadetes (Under 17s), who also played a League game against Alicante. Denia dominated the first half in near perfect conditions scoring five tries for a comfortable 27-0 lead. This allowed the coaches to make several changes in the second half. Mostly players new to the game, they acredited themselves well, but two yellow cards kept the visitors in the match. Denia ran out victors 37-10, maintaining their 100% record.
This coming Saturday they face a difficult away trip to Orihuela. This set the platform for an astonishing performance from the Denia Senior side. As the game kicked off the heavens opened which made handling extremely difficult for both sides but Denia, with a large ex-pat contingent, were clearly more accustomed to such conditions as the younger Alicante side failed to adapt their running game. Denia dominated territory and possession in the first half, solid in defence and pinning Alicante back.
After a period of pressure near the Alicante line the visitors conceded several penalties and after several lineouts in the cornet, a quickly taken penalty from Lee put debutant Argentinian Juan into the corner to score. On the brink of half time Joe added a penalty, but with a minute to go an optimistic kick from Alicante saw Denia fail to clear their lines and the visitors scored an undeserved try. Denia lead 8-5 at half time.
The second half started slowly, again with Denia adapting well to the conditions and good tactical kicking saw Alicante struggle to get out of their own half. From an up and under the Alicante full back failed to gather the ball and Juan was again on hand to touch down. Joe added the conversion. From a spilled ball in midfield, Joe picked up the loose ball allowing Eddie to put Yovanny away in the corner. 20-5 ahead, Denia, with ageing legs tiring, allowed the youthful Alicante side back into the game and after a period of pressure a converted try under the posts gave the visitors a glimmer of hope.
But Denia's defence held firm for a well deserved 20-12 victory. This Saturday Denia entertain last season's Champions Tavernes. Kick Off is at 4pm. Be there ! Denia: Adam,Gevino,Nico,Dale,Xabia,Lee B,Shaun,Dirk,Joe, Lee A,Juan,Gonzo,Eddie,Yovanny,Ian,Sam,Adrian and Chimo.
