Derby 28 Blackburn 29
31/1/26
As January drew to a close, the rain and cold were forgotten as Derby and Blackburn served up a thrilling game !
Jake Barker led the team out in recognition of his 100th 1st XV appearance, while Sam Hamilton played his first game, at scrum half.
Blackburn kicked off and the game could not have started much worse for Derby.
Only 4 minutes had been played and Blackburn had scored two ties to lead 10 – 0.
After 13 minutes the referee lost patience with Derby conceding penalties and dispatched McGrath Van Wyk to the sin bin.
Blackburn continued to dominate the game and 2 further tries saw them achieve the 4 try bonus point after only 22 minutes. With the addition of 1 conversion they led 22 – 0.
As McGrath Van Wyk returned to the field, Jeri Oldfield was sent to replace him in the sin bin, meaning Derby had to play for 20 minutes with 14 men.
Derby steadied the ship and thanks to a Sam Tebbs break entered the Blackburn 22 for the first time. They forced a 5 metre scrum but were unable to find a score.
Half time saw Derby still 22 points down and a big improvement was needed in the 2nd period.
Whatever was said in the break clearly had the desired effect as Derby started the period on the front foot.
It was Blackburn’s turn to upset the referee and they lost a player to the sin bin after 5 minutes.
Sam Tebbs opened the scoring for Derby, after 9 minutes. He received the ball 20 metres out and blasted through the Blackburn defence to touch down. Josh Bingham added the conversion.
Josh Bingham then executed a superb 50-22 to keep the pressure on Blackburn.
A quick tap and go from a penalty saw Sam Tebbs score again and Josh Bingham’s conversion narrowed the gap to 8 points.
Blackburn lost another player to the sin bin after 57 minutes and 2 minutes later Derby had another try.
The ball went through the backs and Lewis Hancock scored in the corner. An excellent Josh Bingham conversion made the score 22-21 to blackburn.
10 minutes remained when Blackburn scored a converted try, with what was virtually their first attack of the half.
Derby werer still not finished and a clever line out and a Sam Tebbs run, led to Lewis Hancock scoring his 2nd try. Josh Bingham again converted from the touchline.
8 minutes remained ; could Derby find one more score to win the game.
Despite prerssing the answer proved to be no and Blackburn kicked the ball out to allow the final whistle to go.
A excellent 2nd half performance from Derbyearned them 2 league points.
Derby’s next game is away at Huddersfield on Valentine’s Day.
Come on Derby !
R. Bambra
