U16s – Derby vs Matlock
This week saw Derby against Matlock at home. Both sides had a full complement of players with the sun shining down it was a beautiful morning.
Derby started strong with an early converted try followed by a second. Both teams had a few handling errors but Derby found space for a third converted try. Some strong tackles and a jackal over the ball saw a turnover and a fourth try followed quickly by a fifth and sixth to make the halftime score 38-0.
The second half started with a cheeky steal from Derby resulting in a try quickly followed by another with Derby rotating players to try kicking the conversions.
Some excellent defence from Derby held off Matlock for a while but they persevered and the result was a well-deserved try for the visitors. A great flowing team move resulted in another converted try under the posts for Derby. This was followed by another from Matlock who scored after a few phases, the conversion was charged down by Derby. The final play of the game saw a final try for derby resulting in a 65-10 win to Derby.
Big shout to the Matlock boys who played a very determined game and never gave up.
U15s – Derby vs Loughborough
Missing a host of players this week Derby travelled to Loughborough with a number of our team playing in some unfamiliar positions. In a forward-dominated game Derby kept knocking back an aggressive Loughborough pack that had already been beaten by Derby earlier on in the season. We had the lion’s share of territory and possession but due to some slippery handling in muddy conditions; we couldn’t make the most of it.
Derby were unfortunate to concede 2 tries and we thought we made it over the line ourselves: unfortunately the referee disagreed on our most significant foray and called the ball as held up. Again we were desperately unlucky to concede a try on the stroke of full-time thanks to the slippery conditions. A scoreline of 3 tries to 0 certainly flattered Loughborough, whilst a number of our lads gained valuable experience in new positions that will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season!
U14s – Derby vs Ilkeston
The 13 a-side teams started with soft ground and mild temperatures, Ilkeston opted to open uphill, Derby downhill with the wind and managed a few over the line in the first 25, with Ilkeston finding the goal line before the halftime whistle, which put the pressure on.
It was a physical and emotional game, neither side yielding. The later 25’s tempo didn’t change, tackle after tackle after tackle. Both Derby and Ilkeston played some exciting rugby at times which afforded more tries. A determined Ilkeston really turned it on, stretched Derby, and went over the Line 2 more times resulting in 15-30 to Derby.
