With promotion already guaranteed, this was a game of little league importance. However, with a growing list of injuries, this was just as well. With no props available Martin Kent was persuaded to return from retirement for his 149th appearance.
Derby started with the slope and gusty wind in their favour, but it was ‘Boro ‘s Stand-off, Uden, who kicked an early penalty. Derby responded with Sam Tebbs crossing the gain line from a lineout and good passing by Tom Bigland saw the supporting Josh Tizzard touching down under the post for Josh Bingham to convert. However, the next two Derby lineouts were lost due to the gusting wind catching the long throws called. An inexperienced referee then gave Bigland a Yellow card for an alleged closed fist hand-off. If so, he was lucky not to have received a red card. Following a break by Louis Mc Guickian, slick passing ended in yet another try for the free scoring Sam Tebbs. Bingham added the conversion increasing their lead to eleven points. Unfortunately, this was quickly followed by two missed tackles, allowing winger, Ingleby, over in the corner for an unconverted try, reducing Derby’s lead to 6 points at the interval.
After the restart, ‘Boro were gifted two consecutive penalties and from the second, a drive allowed their lively scrum half, Chamberlain, to dive over for a heart-breaking try. Uden did well to convert from way out, giving them a slender lead. Derby sent on all three subs, Kent, Ridley and J Barker. The experience and power of Martin Kent had an immediate impact in the scrums where Derby gained the advantage. Sadly, the possession gained was wasted by predictable passing, which squandered two clear scoring chances. It lacked timing and penetration. Even after a period of ten phases in the home 22-metre area Derby failed to get a reward. Their frustration was further felt when the aggressive left winger, Rob Jacobs, forced his way over in the corner and added a second in extra time. Uden converted both to the delight of the home supporters.
Peterborough deserved their win as they adapted better to the conditions and played “on the edge” to deny Derby time and space. It does yet again underline the importance of having a strong Derby “Twos” as a source of players able to step up.
Report by: Gerry Sherry E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07731056927