This was the second week when strong defending denied Derby reward for valiant efforts, but ball retention was patchy also. Gradually Derby’s spirit was worn down as they looked to individuals for inspiration rather than sustain a coordinated team effort.
The ever-willing Jake Roome, once again moved to scrum half as part of a late change, while Patrick Burke moved to centre and Ryan Milton took to the wing. With only four minutes on the clock, a fast run by the Broadstreet fullback ended with winger, O Sullivan, scoring in the corner. Stand Off, Holliday did well to convert. Derby responded with a Josh Bingham penalty to narrow the gap to four points. A series of attacks by the home forwards tested the Derby defence until Ollie Cregg crossed in the corner for an unconverted try. Under pressure, Jake Roome produced a long-range kick to the opposition’s 5-metre line earning Derby the throw in at the lineout. Sam Tebbs took the ball and charged through the defence for a try converted by Josh Bingham. A couple of tap-and-go penalties were marred by knock-ons leaving the interval score Broadstreet 12 Derby 10.
Trailing only by two points, Derby were very much in the game. However, one minute after the restart, Holliday kicked a penalty and four minutes later converted a try by sub, Hickman. Derby put some good phases together but the quick tackling by the home defence denied them any reward. Following a clearance kick by Jake Roome, a quick throw in at the line out, saw Murphy race over the line untouched for a try converted by Holliday. Derby tried hard but a strong defence and knock-ons just brought frustration, until Ryan Milton took a pass from Mc Grath Van Wyk before racing through the defence for a try.
Sadly, Jake Barker sustained a serious shoulder injury and brother, Charlie a cut on the knee. With a growing injury list, Derby will need to see all other players make themselves available for selection. A very strong Bromsgrove are the visitors next Sat.
Report by: Gerry Sherry