With the wind behind their backs, Dale began strongly and picked up an early score; Paddy Pole intercepting a poor line out throw from the DK hooker to fall over the line. Pole shorty notched his second as a result of some good pressure from the Dale pack.

However, DK were not phased; they used their skilful backs and some lax defending to work their way up the park. From a resulting 5m scrum, they span the ball wide before their winger powered over the line for their first of the afternoon. A second was added by the same winger in a similar situation - breaking the first line of defence and powering over the line.

With the game in the balance, some more sustained pressure from good tactical kicking and Dale's line out dominance set the platform for Dale's pack to get over the gain line repeatedly. Eventually DK could not withstand the barrage and slipped tackles allowing Ian Marshall and Tim Fourie to drive over the line from close range in quick succession. Steve Nutt added one of the two conversions.

Dale's first half lead of 22-14 was not significant enough for Dale to resolutely defend and seal the win. DK continued to pile pressure on and throw the ball around even when they could easily clear their lines and seek good territory. Their positive play was eventually rewarded with a penalty and a score from their fullback nudging the home side 2 points in front of Dale.

Following a further try from DK, Dale knew they had to chase the game. Breaks by both the Albinsons, Tom and Jamie, led to nothing with lack of support or the cover defence snuffing out the promising attacks. Even Dale's dominant line out couldn't provide them with the try to put them back within a score of winning the game. It was not until late on did Dale finally break the DK defence to cross the line through scrum half Jamie Albinson. The score wasn't enough and DK were clinical. They played good territory and possession in the final few minutes and with the final play of the game decided to run the ball instead of kicking it out. The decision paid off and DK's fly half got outside his opposite man to score the final try of the game. Final score 36-27.

Although Dale narrowly missed out on promotion, they looked extremely competitive and played one of their better games as a squad this year. Next season looks promising with a relatively unchanged squad and youth coming through the ranks. Winger Danny Harrison and second row Tim Fourie will both be sorely missed next season; Danny taking a year out in New Zealand and Tim Fourie retiring to just his coaching position at the club.