After Cambridge III cancelled earlier in the week (and 'ref-gate' was finally resolved by Pricey!) Stoneygate stepped in for 13:30 kick off. Both teams with squads of 21. The game started at frenetic pace. Stoneygates blend of a youthful back line and grizzly pack with 2 monstrous 2nd rowers had the better of early exchanges, pinning Deeping in their 22. The solid, final line of defence held firm for a good 10 minutes before it was breached. Stoneygate's backs causing issues everytime they got the ball, the final ball though, often going awry. However, their dominance continued, and 2 more quick tries followed, before a concerted drive and pressure from Deeping got Sam over the line, but the ref said he was held up. Stoneygate's big ball carriers and smokey backs opened Deepings creaking defence at will and ran in further scores to make the half time score 40 to nil. The one sided score line wasn't a fair reflection of the game. Injuries to PK, Dillon & Adam testament to the bruising encounter. After a "stop feeling so sorry for yourselves and let's show some Deepings fight & spirit" half time team talk and the introduction of Noel, the 2nd half landscape changed. With front foot attacking ball, the pods working through phase after phase and along with slick hands, Roberts burst over the line for a Deepings try, converted by Kieran. Noel's barnstorming running and hand offs a plenty kept Stoneygate occupied. Sam at 10, excellent in defence and setting up wave after wave of Deeping attacks. Supported by Welsh Andy, Charlie, Dillon, Giddo and Preecy, Deeping started to take the fight back to Stoneygate. After another spell of pressure, Sam jinked his way under the posts to score the 2nd try. Also converted. Stoneygate were rattled and then punished with 2 yellow cards for high tackles following several warnings, but Deepings couldn't capitalise any more. Bodies were bruised and battered and the bench was emptied, replacements also returning to the pitch to aid the cause. Stoneygate finished off with another try. But Deeping won the 2nd half. Best wishes go to Adam after a serious knee break/injury . A really spirited fight with everyone putting in a shift, Alex, Woo Roberts, Bailey, Charlie, Dan to name a few. In conclusion, successions of missed 1st up tackles in the first half, took the game out of reach. Defence will need to be worked on to get back on point. A great battling display with loads of positives too. Man of the Match was Noel who seemingly played 2 halves of rugby in 1 half. Everyone deserves a shout out for contributions and the players who were away on wooden spoon charity duty will have to fight for the places next week! Final score Deepings 14-47 Stoneygate.