Derby 15 Leek 36
28/2/26
Derby faced Leek at Haslams, as Ryan Cokayne and Andrew Fletcher both made their 1stappearances of the season. This brings the number of players Derby have used this season to 46. This is as good an indicator as any, as to the diificulties they have faced this season, particularly with the physicality of the opposition players.
A dry afternoon greeted the teams, as they ran out and Derby kicked off.
Leek had the better of the opening exchanges but good defensive work from Derby kept them out.
After 20 minutes, Leek took the lead. Derby lost the ball in midfield and Leek broke away to score.
Derby narrowed the gap with a Josh Bingham penalty, 7 minutes later.
7 minutes before the break, Derby took the lead. A well executed line out saw the ball transferred to Nathaniel Bevan-Brown and he crashed over from close range.
Derby then dropped the Leek kick off, allowing Leek the final attack of the half. Leek duly scored and coverted, with Derby’s pain being deepened by a yellow card to Luke Pulford.
Half time saw Leek leading 14 – 8 but Derby very much in the game.
3 minutes into the 2nd half and it was Leek’s turn for a yellow card.
5 minutes later, Leek extended their lead with another try.
After 54 minutes, Derby scored a splendid try. Cam Finlay made the initial surge, from deep in his own half. The ball was carried on, through multiple pairs of hands, finding McGrath Van Wyk sprinting towards the try line. As the Leek defence closed in, he found Jake Barker, who crossed to score. Josh Bingham’s conversion brought Derby within 4 points.
Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Derby as Leek clinched victory with 3 tries in the final quarter of the game. A single conversion completed the scoring.
As so often this season, Derby could not be faulted for commitment and endeavour, but it is hard work when you keep tackling bigger players !
Next week Derby travel to Manchester.
Come on Derby !
R. Bambra
