U16s – Derby vs Matlock
A cold, wet and windy Mill Road provided the venue for Derby U16s vs Matlock U16s. Both sides were low on numbers but an 11-a- side game was soon underway with two Matlock players joining Yaw, Sid, Charlie, Jacob, Andrew, Ivan, Jake, Joe, and Freddie in yellow and black.
Derby started positively and soon took the lead with a try from Yaw, though Matlock scored soon after and converted to take a 7-5 lead. Joe and Yaw both went over soon after with Matlock scoring once in reply to make the halftime score 12-15.
An injury to a Matlock player saw Derby down to 10 players for the start of the second half though Yaw soon completed his hat-trick and Freddie converted to make it 12-22. Matlock responded well though and scored three tries in quick succession to edge ahead 27-22. The game was characterised by great sportsmanship with Matlock handing Derby the extra man midway through the half. Charlie leveled things up then the last play of the game saw Yaw go over for his fourth try. Jake converted to make the final score 27-34 in Derby’s favour. Credit to all the boys for a great game in tough conditions, no doubt both sides will be looking forward to locking horns again next week at Haslams.
U14s – Derby vs Notts Casuals
With threatening frost and bad weather, we booked the artificial pitch (just in case). With various illnesses, holidays, player rest days, and Christmas festivities Derby managed 20 players with NottsC managing 11. We offered Notts the players required (a winger, a back, and 2 back rows, which we rotated each third, ensuring maximum game time for all). Both sides were fired up and shortly after 11am, the players kicked off to an early Derby try, followed by a Notts counter – it was game time…. Derby eventually setting the tone/pace of game allowing Derby a little more possession in the first third resulting in more trys.
Both sides struggled with difficult conversions. The second third NottsC were eager to show what they could do and put a volley of trys over the line, with great rucking / counter rucking and aggressive running lines Derby ended the second 3rd wondering what had happened to their original lead. Notts dominated the 2nd third and managed a conversion also which strengthened their position.
The last third saw a very tight game, both sides showing good rucking and attacking back play but it was Derby that managed to control the ball , find a few set moves from rucks resulting in some positive back play and better conversions allowing a 42-32 Derby result – great competitive game to watch with outstanding rugby values from Casuals and Derby. Lovely to see both teams learning the line out during the game. The clubhouse afterward was again a treat to watch for all, players showing real maturity and rugby values, sharing stories from the game, having fun. – Feel very proud of both clubs, well done everyone!!