Derby 15 Anselmians 38
Derby returned to Haslams to play unbeaten Anselmians.
Josh Sheppard made his debut on the wing and became the 38th player to appear this season. The problems with injuries and unavailabilities show no signs of abating !
Anselmians kicked off on the newly repaired AGP and were quickly into their stride.
They were held up over the Derby try line after 7 minutes, but would not be denied for long.
2 minutes later Anselmians had their first try and 9 minutes later crossed the Derby try line again.
Both tries were converted, leaving Derby 14 points down.
Derby began to assert some pressure and an excellent touch kick took them deep into Anselmians territory. Derby recycled the ball well and after a number of phases, Nathaniel Bevan-Brown scored in the corner; his 5th try of the season.
Josh Bingham converted and Derby were back in the game.
Cruelly, for Derby, Anselmians scored a further try with the last play of the half.
This made the score at the break 19 – 7 to Anselmians.
The 2nd half could not have started much better for Derby ! Joe Acton charged down a clearing kick, gathered the ball and scored in the corner.
5 minutes into the half, Angus Wallis was held up over the try line.
A minute later Josh Bingham kicked a penaltyto narrow the gap to 4 points.
Anselmians hit back with a converted try, 8 minutes later, to extend their lead again
Anselmians received a yellow card; could Derby make the extra player count ?
Despite spending time in the Anselmians 22, Derby were unable to score.
In fact it was Anselmians who scored next. They went through phase after phase and despite superb defence from Derby, eventually forced their way over the try line, with 10 minutes remaining. The conversion followed.
As in the 1st half, the final play of the period brought another converted try to Anselmians.
Derby should be proud of their performance. Anselmians were clearly a very good side, but Derby’s fitness and commitment kept them in the game for long periods.
Derby tackled and defended ferociously, but were unable to take the opportunities that came their way.
Next week Derby travel to Burton for the A38 derby !
Come on Derby !
R. Bambra
