Manchester 47 Derby 17
7/3/26
Derby travelled to Manchester for theirpenultimate away league fixture of the season.
Derby kicked off, but it was Manchester whowere quickly into their stride. They set up camp on the Derby line and after a number of phases they crossed for the 1st try of the game, after 3 minutes. The conversion made it 7 -0.
Derby struck back, 5 minutes later, with a try of their own. They won a line out near the Manchester line and drove on. The ball was recycled and Nathaniel Bevan-Brown crashed over for his 9th try of the season.
Derby were playing well at this point and took the lead after 24 minutes. The forwards were again the architects of the score. They camped on the Manchester line for a number of phases before moving the ball wide. Josh Bingham took the pass and fed Cam Finlay who sped clear to score.
Manchester took the lead again on the half hour, with a converted try.
The final play of the half saw Manchester cross again and the conversion saw them go into the break, 21 – 10 ahead.
The 2nd half started badly for Derby, with Manchester scoring 2 converted tries in the first 7 minutes.
Derby scored next. McGrath Van Wyk caught a clearing kick. He chipped ahead and chased. He kicked the ball again and Cam Finlay won the race to touch down for his 2nd of the day and 9th of the season. Lewis Hancock added the conversion.
At this point Derby were struggling to put 15 fit players on the pitch and Manchester took advantage with 2 further tries and a conversion.
Just before the end, Cam Finlay kicked ahead and raced towards the line, but was denied by the Manchester defence.
Another tough day for Derby, but once again the effort and commitment could not be faulted, with players going back on the pitch when not fully fit.
Bowden travel to Haslems in 2 weeks.
Come on Derby !
R. Bambra
