Derby were forced into late changes, with Lewis Hancock unable to play. Will Town started on the wing, while Jack Partington come onto the bench.
Derby kicked off, with the pitch in superb condition, especially considering the amount of rain that had fallen in the preceding weeks.
It didn’t take Derby long to take the lead. Only 7 minutes had elapsed, when Cam Finlay made an incisive run. He found Josh Bingham who, in turn, found Ben Wilcox. He broke through the last line of defence and touched down under the posts. He then converted his own try, to put Derby 7 up.
Banbury hit back with a penalty after 16 minutes.
20 minutes had been played, when Jeri Oldfield was sent to the sin bin. 1 minute later, Banbury were awarded a penalty try and this time Simon Moon was dispatched for 10 minutes.Banbury were now 10 – 7 ahead.
This left Derby with 13 men for at least 9 minutes. Incredibly they won this period 7 – 0!
The try was scored by Ben Wilcox who chipped through and won the chase to touch down, for the 11th time this season. He also converted to put Derby in front 14 – 10.
Derby scored again, after 34 minutes when Ben Wilcox put Cam Finlay away to score. Ben Wilcox again converted, from the touchline.
At this stage Banbury brought on Soane Tonga’uiha. The Tongan international joined in the next scrum and at 6 foot 3 and over 20 stone he certainly made Derby work hard !
Derby completed the scoring for the half with a Ben Wilcox penalty and went into the break leading 24 – 10.
Banbury opened the scoring in the 2nd half, after just 5 minutes, with a converted try.
Derby hit back quickly and a Joe Acton pass, put Josh Bingham away to score his 4th try of the season.
After 63 minutes, Derby clinched victory, with their 5th try. A line out was secured and Derby attacked down the blind side. The ball was transferred to Simon Moon who took the final defender over with him to touch down.
5 minutes remained when Banbury completed the scoring with a try.
A fine victory for Derby, their 11th of the season, which improves last season’s tally, with 1 game remaining. This also leaves Derby 7th in the table and this is now the lowest they can finish!
That game is away at Syston in a fortnight.
Come on Derby!
Report by: R. Bambra
Photos by Shaun Hardwick, full album here
