Bowden 22 Derby 12
29/11/25
Derby travelled to Clay Lane, to play Bowden for their first ever meeting. A wet pitch greeted them, but the rain held off for the game.
Yet again injury problems dogged Derby. Sam Tebbs failed a late fitness test ; Jake Roome took his place in the back row, with Sam Pittman moving to Number 8. Ollie Horton moved from the bench into the centre.
Lewis Hancock made his return from injury and became the 37th player to appear this season !
Derby kicked off, but it was Bowden who quickly took control.
Bowden took the lead after 6 minutes with a try.
Derby had a chance to get on the scoreboard after 21 minutes but Josh Bingham narrowly missed with a kick at goal.
Bowden doubled their lead 6 minutes later with their 2nd try.
Derby were struggling to get a foothold in the game at this point but were pushing Bowden back with 6 minutes remaining.
The ball went down the line and with Lewis Hancock waiting to receive the final pass, the Bowden scrum half deliberately knocked the ball on.
He was dispatched to the sin bin, but Derby were unable to take advantage of the extra man before the whistle went for half time.
Bowden started the 2nd half well and extended their lead with another try, after just 5 minutes.
22 minutes had elapsed when Derby got themselves on the scoreboard.
A spell of pressure led to a number of forward drives, which ended with Charlie Barker crashing over the line to score. Josh Bingham added the conversion
Unfortunately for Derby, Bowden countered immediately and scored a converted try from the kick off.
Derby continued to press and with 4 minutes remaining, a spell of pressure led to Nathaniel Bevan-Brown scoring in the corner.
Derby had 4 minutes to try and score again, to gain a losing bonus point.
Despite all their efforts it was not to be and the final whistle saw Derby leave Bowden empty handed.
Derby showed tremendous commitment and theirefforts could not be faulted.
This result leaves Derby bottom of the table and with league leaders Anselmians visiting Haslams next week, things do not get any easier,
Come on Derby
R. Bambra
