Both sides knew the importance of this game and why it was tagged as a “Relegation Battle.” The visitors came buoyed up by a convincing win away over Burton, two weeks previously. Pre-match murmurings suggested a close game. Tensions showed by both sides as there were numerous penalties and scrums. Ball carriers did not want to make mistakes. This gave way to slower passes and some overly optimistic ones as well as some poorly directed kicking.
Lewis Hancock opened Derby’s account with an early penalty but Silhillians’ No.10, Ben Freeman, equalised six minutes later. From a steady scrum, the ball was slickly passed along the Derby backs for Lewis Hancock to touch down in the corner. He did very well to convert from some way out, giving Derby a lead by seven points. Again, Ben Freeman kicked a penalty to quickly reduce the deficit. Derby were having to defend heroically as the visitors’No.8, Steve Hall, and centre, Matt Lee, were difficult to bring down. Happily, low tackling did the job and players pounced on the break downs to delay the recycling of the ball. Silhillians thought they had scored a try with the last play of the half, but the referee judged that the ball had been held up. This was a welcome relief for Derby leading by fifteen points to six at the interval.
The visitors were first out for the restart and looked determined. Their confidence was reassured, when a cross kick was caught by replacement winger, Aaron Esim, before speeding over for a try. Once again, the deadly boot of Ben Freeman added the extra points, narrowing the gap to just two points. Lewis Hancock and Ben Freeman traded successful penalties leaving Derby by a tenuous two points lead. With more possession, Silhillians were pressing at every opportunity and were awarded two penalties. Freeman missed the first one but kicked the second to give his side a single point lead. With just short of ten minutes left, Derby swept up field thanks to centres Ben Wilcox and Lui Natui. After a couple of good forward drives to the line, Mcgarth Van Wyk seized the ball and dived over for a try. With Hancock adding the extra points, Derby were back in the lead by six points. However, Silhillians launched an all-out attack and looked like scoring. That is until Ryan Milton quickly gathered a dropped ball. He ran about seventy yards until tackled. He was eagerly looking for support and it came in the form of Joe Acton. He picked up the ball and sprinted over for a bonus point try converted by Lewis Hancock
It was a Silhillian team that never gave up, who must have thought they had done enough to win. For Derby, it was team spirit, great tackling, and close support play, combined with the leadership of Sam Tebbs. This was a hard-fought victory with Derby gaining five points and Silhillians none.
All attention and preparation must now focus on next week’s visitors to Haslam’s Lane, Dudley Kingswinford. Can Derby make it five consecutive wins? Do come and lend your support. Lane
Gerry Sherry