Burton 39 Derby 17
Simon Moon, on his one-hundredth appearance, led Derby out in front of a large crowd but without several key players against an inform Burton. Derby had a first half that gave hope, tackling well and testing the Burton defence by running hard and fast. Burton’s Player Coach, Javiah Pohe, earned his money by scoring three tries and for Derby, Nathan Bevan-Brown continued his scoring record with two tries.
With Derby under pressure, it was stand-off, Bunting, that crossed the line first for fullback, Phillips to convert. Josh Bingham kept Derby in touch with a penalty but Phillips then ran 70 metres to score in the corner. However, Derby pressure earned them a penalty. Taken quickly, Nathan Bevan-Brown took the ball on the run and crashed through for a try converted by Josh Bingham, narrowing the gap to just two points. Approaching half time Derby pressed hard but were held up over the Burton line. That could have been another seven points.
After only seven minutes from the restart, a quick scrum ball sent centre, Pohe, over for his first try. Once again Derby pressure went unrewarded as the ball was judged to have been held up over the line. Against the run of play good passing by Buton’s backs swept up field and Pohe scored his second try converted by Kirkpatrick. To make things worse, right winger, De Jager, scored in the corner to increase Burton’s lead at a crucial moment. Unbelievably, Derby forwards pressed hard at the Burton line where an offload from a quick tap penalty sent Nathan Bevan-Brown over for his second try. Josh Bingham converted and Derby were back in the game. However, hopes were quickly squashed when Pohe sliced through for his third try. In extra time, Burton pounced on a miskick and winger, Mc Conckey touched down in the corner.
It was a gritty and determined effort by Derby with Dan Griffin and James Godfrey contributing greatly in the lineouts and general loose play. Luke Johnson returned to scrum half after several years on knee injuries and kept the ball moving to his backs. Angus Wallis and Jake Barker were added to the ever growing list of injuries. All credit to the coaches for helping to motivate the players to rise to the occasion. It is at home next week to Rochdale. Selection will be a difficult task for head coach, Liam. However, I am sure that Derby’s spirit and effort will be on show. Please do come and shout your support. The lads deserve it. Kick off is 3.0 p m, see you there.
Gerry Sherry
