Already without Will Packer, Chris Garrod & Ben Sansom in the backs, Bingham were also without Chris Heathcote & Oscar Ciaurro through injury & were hit by the unavailability of Ben Jones & Steve Guiton. With Pete Mount, Dan Bartram & Jonathan Thomas all carrying injuries and unable to start it meant Harry Bowles moving to No8, a new half back pairing of Anthony Thomas and Jack Barnard and a 1st start in the centre for returning George Ward probably 10 years after he last donned the shirt.

As expected a tight encounter with each defence on top. Thinking the ref awarded a free kick Bingham passed on a kickable penalty running the ball but not getting any advantage

It was not until 20 mins before we get the 1st telling break from Harry Bowles off the back of a scrum created an excellent attacking position. Although a knock to Anthony Thomas forced an early change with Ben Packer moving to 9 and Pete Mount coming onto the flank from the subsequent scrum, quick ball to Jack Barnard gave him room to spin out of a tackle and offload to George Ward to get over the line. Ben Packer added the conversion.

Dronfield edged back into the game with a penalty on 30 mins after Bingham had run a penalty in their own half, fumbled possession and conceded the penalty.

An offside following a kick put Dronfield right back in it at 7 – 6

A penalty to Bingham bang on half time out wide but just missed. HT 7 – 6

An early 2nd half penalty from Ben Packer regained a 4 point lead and started a good spell with a 20m forward drive which was unfortunately penalised ultimately for blocking.

Dronfield work their way upfield but met with dogged defence which forced a turnover and high tackle but overturned as a bit of afters ensued 10 – 9

An inspired restart chipped into the hands of Harry Bowles and pressure straight back onto Dronfield. Jonathan Thomas came on with 20 mins to go and made an immediate impact stealing loose line out ball, allowing Anthony Thomas now back on to break, chip through and almost make the score.

Jonathan Thomas made further telling interventions and Bingham manage to get the ball wide to Jamie Graham to add pressure. Possession from the line out and the ball goes wide to Adam Deal to get over on the corner but awarded a penalty try due to a high tackle. 17 – 9 with 10 mins to go and a bit of breathing room.

With nothing to lose, Dronfield created a few telling breaks but again the Bingham defence stood firm, none more so than when Dronfield take a quick line out but was cut in half by Ben Packer with a crunching tackle.

As mentioned by Dronfield, a good tough physical fixture played in a great spirit with a great atmosphere afterwards.

A tremendous result with so many changes forced upon Bingham showing how the squad is now developing