On Saturday, the sunshine returned and Denia Rugby Club entertained Tavernes in their second League Match of the season. This game was postponed two weeks ago due to a waterlogged pitch and with both sides unbeaten something had to give. Tavernes, Champions last season, are a very predictable outfit, with big direct running forwards and they rely heavily on a kicking game to give those forwards the platform. Denia, with training again disrupted by yet another fiesta, met early and prepared well but the visitors started the sharper, scoring a soft try from the kick off.
However, Denia responded well, and a strong run from Gonzo, saw Yovanny kick ahead, only to be hauled down illegally, an offence that should warrant a yellow card for a professional foul in the modern game. However, the referee only awarded a penalty, but from the line out Dirk dived over to score. Again Tavernes responded well and from a quickly taken penalty in the Denia 22, crashed over to score. The game then settled down with both sides struggling to break out of midfield. Late in the half, a deep Tavernes kick provided the platform to secure a 15-5 half time lead. Making several changes, Denia started the second period strongly with forward creating a solid platform for the backs to attack. But final passes went astray and balls were lost in contact. Again Tavernes kicked deep and from a stolen line out ball appeared to score. But the referee ruled the player and not grounded the ball, but from the 5 metre scrum, a push over try saw the lead extended to 20-5. Denia got quickly back into the game and after two phases of forward play the backs combined well and Leo crashed over under the posts to score with Joe adding the conversion.
With Denia in the ascendency the game remained wide open. Tavernes again exploited Denia's inability to retain possession and from another kick and ensuing line out deep in the Denia 22, added what would prove to be the decisive score. Denia were not finished though and from a scrum in the Denia half, Lee broke blind up the touchline, allowing Yovanny to beat the full back and score under the posts. But despite no protests from any Tavernes players and no indication from the touch judge, the referee indicated that Yovanny had stepped on the touchline some 30 metres away from where he, the referee, was standing. With minutes remain, Tavernes protected their 25-12 lead for a deserved victory.
The visitors were fitter and better organised than Denia who need to work harder in training as a unit before next Saturdays away game against La Safor in Gandia. Denia RC: Adam,Nico,Jerry,Dale,Xabia,Shaun,Geviny,Dirk,Joe,Eddie,Yovanny,Gonzo,Ian,Juan,Leo, Pescata,Jason,Adrian,Mateo,Lee,Edu B & Andy.
The Cadetes (Under 17s) had a very early start for the long coach journey to Orihuela. Again Denia travelled with 20 players, the first time that the Club has had a Junior side with such depth. After a minor detour, the side had very little time to prepare and started the game as if they were still sitting on the bus.
However, it was clear that Orihuela had little to offer and after a frustrating first 15 minutes, Denia finally found some rhythm and from a line out in the Orihuela 22, a well rehearsed move saw Denia open the scoring. Denia began to up the pace and dominated territory and possession adding two more tries for a 15-0 half time lead.
The second half should really have seen Denia dominant but too many individual moments kept Orihuela in the game. However, the Denia defence held firm when called upon and from a counter attack Denia added a converted try to effectively seal the game. Then a moment of complete stupidity from a Denia player completely ruined the day. A player from either side was involved in what can only be described as a minor tussle, when several players from both teams ran across to get needlessly involved.
The referee was quick to arrive but as he was breaking up the incident, the Denia player took the law into his own hands. His pathetic and cowardly action was luckily seen by the referee and a swift red card was produced. This will be followed by a lengthy suspension by both The Club and the Valencia Federation. Denia Rugby Club will not tolerate acts of violence or indiscipline at any level. The game finished with a converted try for Denia and a 29-0 victory. A well deserved but hollow victory. This Saturday Denia entertain Akra Alicante. Denia RC: Pancho,Andreas, Jose,Nathan,Bjorn,Santiago,Bevo,Blake,Aiden,Giuliani,Tom,Juan,Sergio,David,Inaki,Ruben,Dan,Pepe,Danny & Andrew.
