Derby were led out by Josh Tizard, to mark his 150th appearance for the club.
Before the start of the game a minute’s silence was impeccably observed out of respect for The Queen.
Derby made 2 changes to last week’s starting XV. Jeri Oldfield and Patrick Burke came into the team, while Sam Tebbs and Judah Simpson returned to the squad, with places on the bench.
Derby kicked off, on a lovely late summer day.
They were quickly on the attack and took the lead after 3 minutes. A good move saw the ball spread wide, where Lewis Hancock touched down, for his 50th career try.
Nuneaton hit back immediately and scored a converted try to take the lead.
The game was only 10 minutes old, when Derby scored their 2nd try. A fine McGrath Van Wyk pass put Lewis Hancock clear and he made no mistake.
Nuneaton continued to press and got their reward after 27 minutes. They caught their own line out and drove over.
5 minutes remained when McGrath Van Wyk was shown a yellow card, but Derby repelled Nuneaton for the remainder of the half.
The interval saw Nuneaton lead 12 – 10.
The 2nd half started with Nuneaton in the ascendancy. They opted to take 2 penalty kicks for goal, but both missed; one striking the post.
Derby were under pressure, but held out until the 68th minute when Nuneaton touched down in the corner, to take them 7 points clear.
Derby had lost both Callum Jones and Jake Roome to injury at this stage, but started to press Nuneaton back.
They got their reward in the 76th minute. Another fine move, saw Lewis Hancock score a try in the corner, to complete his hat-trick A tough conversion remained for Josh Bingham, but he was equal to the task, with a magnificent kick, to tie the game.
As the game entered injury time, Nuneaton conceded a penalty. Some dissent from them saw the referee march them back 10 metres. Josh Bingham stepped up and sent the ball between the posts to put Derby ahead.
A period of injury time was played, but Derby saw the game out to secure the win.
Another splendid victory, with excellent defence and fitness proving vital.
Next week sees the long trip to Oundle.
Come on Derby !
Report by: R.Bambra