It was the worst of days, with the coach taking 3 hours to get there only to find a very wet pitch and heavy rainfall. Not the best preparation. Thanks is due to the retired players, Jake Roome, Jack Partington and McGrath Van Wyk, who rallied to help. This surely reflects the parlous state of our pool of 1st XV players. Against them, was a newly promoted Rocdale side fielding 18 players, all developed through the club’s Junior Academy system.
It was a good start for Derby as Jeri Oldfield forced his way over for an unconverted try. Rochdale responded with a pushover try by wing forward, Harry Hayes, converted by Steve Collins, their stand off and Director of Rugby. To a large extent, he also controlled and influenced play with his judicious kicking. Fullback, Russell Carmichael kicked a penalty and approaching half time, Jake Roome forced his way over from a maul and Carmichael added the extra points However, Collins kicked a penalty to level the scores and end the first half, making it 15 points each.
Derby started the second half well and were camped on the Rochdale 5-metre line. However, a very resolute and determined defence kept Derby out. Play then moved down field where Derby had to defend and this they did. But nothing could be done to stop Steve Collins kicking a penalty to edge his side in front. Approaching full time, Derby had a scrum 5-metres out from Rochdale’s line. They mustered their combined strengths and Sam Tebbs picked up the ball for a charge to the line but then, Shock Horror, referee penalised Derby for boring in that scrum. The final whistle blew as Collins kicked the ball out of play.
Overall, conditions dictated that Derby opted for a close and shallow line in the backs to make ball security easier. However, this rendered them somewhat predictable and easier for the the very quick Rochdale defenders. The Rochdale edge came from their option to kick and quickly chase to limit the options of the Derby receiver.
It is a reserve date next Saturday giving time for players to recover from injuries before facing The Wirral on the 4th Oct. Do please lend your support.
Gerry Sherry
