U14s – Derby vs Long Eaton
With Temperatures dropping further below zero during the morning warmup, we switched to the AGP pitch. Long Eaton had a mixed squad of 14/15s with no subs and an injured 9. Derby gave long Eaton a 9 for the day and offered further players if needed.
The first half saw long Eaton putting the ball over the line multiple times often from a good set-piece off the back of the scrum, using their 8 and flankers well. The accurate and confident conversions allowed Long Eaton a deserved good lead. After Derby managed to hold up another Long Eaton attempt over the line, we dug deep putting the ball over twice and started to show some good rucking at times and excellent displays of confident running. Some outstanding confident tackling by both sides, however, the Long Eaton speed and discipline of defence line held Derby at 12-26.
A great game to watch, both teams showing excellent rugby values both on the pitch and in the clubhouse afterwards, A lovely bunch of lads and coaching staff @long Eaton RFC. Looking forward to return game!
U13s – Derby vs Long Eaton
The boys were fired up for this match on the back of their previous win. From the kickoff we put Long Eaton under great pressure and generated an immediate turnover in the first ruck, enabling us to recycle quickly and go over for our first try within 2 minutes. Confidence now on a high we pushed hard at the breakdown and gained some great ground using the width and gaps in Long Eatons defence. We then scored a further 4 quick tries to lead 5-0 after 15 mins. Then having scored a 6th try long Eaton conceded the match.
To let both teams to continue with some game time we jointly rejigged the teams to even it up and the match ended up 7-1 to Derby. The boys were very respectful to Long Eaton at the end of the match and created a great tunnel and lots of noise in clapping the opposition off the pitch.
Super team performance all round, really great team spirit throughout the warm-up, the match and post-match food too!